New owners for media agency Robson Brown

Mar 10 2010 by Peter McCusker, The Journal

OVER six months of talks came to a conclusion for Alan Brown and Stuart Robson with the successful sale of their Newcastle advertising and marketing agency to a US company with the help of law firm Muckle.

The duo, who launched what was to become the region’s biggest media agency 26 years ago, were first approached by California-based Round2 International last summer.

The sale was concluded last week, as revealed in The Journal, with Newcastle-based corporate lawyers and corporate finance experts advising Mr Brown and Mr Robson.

Hugh Welch, senior partner at Muckle said: “We have acted on behalf of Robson Brown for over 25 years, building up a great relationship with the firm and offering legal advice in a range of areas, from property and employment to contract and commercial law.

“This has very much grown into a mutual relationship as Robson Brown has provided us with support on our branding, advertising and company literature.

“I am delighted that we have been able to offer legal support to Robson Brown during such a critical stage of its evolution and I’d like to wish the firm every success moving forward.”

Craig Swinhoe, partner in the commercial services group at Muckle, added: “I am pleased to have worked so closely with Robson Brown on this deal – providing legal advice and helping to negotiate on all aspects of the agreement with Round2. We advised from a legal perspective and have worked closely with Deloitte on the deal.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for Robson Brown as it will become the first and largest UK base for Round2, taking the Newcastle-based marketing agency into the next exciting phase of its continued development.”