Leading digital agency IDHL, a Bridgepoint portfolio company, today announces the acquisition of marketing and communications specialists The MTM Agency.
From SEO pioneers to integrated digital marketing leaders, IDHL has evolved over 25 years to become one of the UK's most comprehensive growth partners for ambitious businesses. From a foundation of search engine optimisation powered by proprietary technology IDHL has since expanded both organically and through strategic acquisitions across the digital landscape.
2024 marked a transformative milestone as the group united eight of their nine agencies under a collective vision to build the UK’s leading growth-centric digital services agency to deliver value for clients and partners.
The acquisition of The MTM Agency accelerates IDHL’s ability to deliver strategic advice across the entire communications landscape by bolstering its industry leading capabilities in performance, web, eCommerce and data intelligence as well as deep technical expertise. Aligned to IDHL’s mission to accelerate growth for ambitious businesses and brands in the digital economy, the strategic addition brings sophisticated complementary capabilities in creative, strategy and insight, as well as influencer marketing and PR.
The acquisition sees IDHL welcome over 80 new colleagues in Southampton, bringing fresh perspectives to solving clients’ challenges and expanding the agency’s strong UK footprint which includes teams in London, Leeds and Manchester.
The MTM Agency’s creative, strategic client-centric approach and vast experience in delivering for B2B brands will enhance IDHL’s offer to its existing national roster of clients whilst creating fresh opportunities to forge new client relationships.
The transaction is supported by IDHL’s existing investment partner Bridgepoint, which partnered with the company in 2021 via Bridgepoint Development Capital, a lower middle-market fund focused on supporting fast-growing businesses across Europe.
Speaking about the acquisition, Ben Wood, IDHL CEO, said:
“At IDHL, we are laser-focussed on providing world-class integrated digital solutions to drive growth for our clients’ businesses.
Driven by an entrepreneurial mindset, IDHL has evolved by responding to client demand - scaling with new services and solutions to meet their changing needs. This continues to be delivered through organic growth and strategic acquisitions to strengthen our integrated offering.
The acquisition of The MTM Agency brings our expert teams and leading capabilities together to create a powerful full-service offer that enables us to deepen our understanding of clients’ businesses and their consumers to deliver even more valuable outcomes.”
Gordon Hawes, Co-owner of The MTM Agency, said:
"For my co-owner Paul Jones and I, The MTM Agency becoming part of the IDHL family is the culmination of an incredible 16-year journey that brought together an exceptional team delivering innovative, insight-driven, and creative solutions which make a positive impact in a rapidly evolving landscape.
IDHL has shown a deep appreciation for The MTM Agency’s culture, creativity, and ambition, and a clear vision for how we can grow together. Its investment brings the scale, resources, and expertise that will ensure both our people and our clients continue to thrive.”
Wes Maynard, Managing Director of The MTM Agency, said:
“Joining with IDHL represents an exciting new chapter for everyone at The MTM Agency. The agency was built on a foundation of creativity, collaboration, and purpose, and this next step allows us to continue to build on those values whilst enhancing our offering and staying true to what makes The MTM Agency unique.
By tapping into IDHL’s network of talent, technology, and performance-driven expertise, we strengthen our ability to deliver powerful, insight-led strategies that own the space between brand, creative, and digital.
I want to thank Gordon and Paul for everything they have done to make The MTM Agency the business it is today, and I look forward to working with IDHL to build on the strength of their legacy and shape the next phase of The MTM Agency’s evolution.”
Robin Lawson, Partner at Bridgepoint, said:
“IDHL’s continued growth is underpinned by a clear vision to build a market-leading digital services platform, with support from Bridgepoint. The acquisition of The MTM Agency strengthens IDHL’s capabilities and further enhances its highly attractive suite of integrated, insight-led marketing solutions. We’re pleased to support Ben and the team as they continue to scale and expand IDHL’s market reach.”