News

The Stagwell Group has acquired a majority stake in London-based Ink, a travel media and marketing company. No financial terms were disclosed.

PRESS RELEASE

LONDON and WASHINGTON, Oct. 2, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — The Stagwell Group (http://www.stagwellgroup.com/) today announced its affiliate has taken a majority share in leading travel media and marketing company Ink (https://ink-global.com). Together the two companies will further the mission of leading the travel media industry through premium content creation, media sales and distribution to this growing global market.

Through a well-established and unique business model, Ink creates award-winning digital, video, print and experiential branded content, as a profit center, for 21 of the world’s largest travel companies including American Airlines, United Airways, Singapore Airlines, Etihad Airways, Norwegian, Qatar Airways, Virgin Atlantic Airways, easyJet and Amtrak. Ink’s innovative media partnerships allow more than 802 million passengers annually to interact and engage with its clients’ brands and content. Headquartered in London, Ink has a global network of content creators and an engine of media sales in Abu Dhabi, Miami, New York, São Paulo and Singapore.

“Ink partners with the world’s largest travel companies to help them connect in a meaningful way, with passengers at crucial moments in their journey via digital, print and experiential branded content. Today’s consumers want unique and inspiring experiences, and that is what Ink helps travel companies deliver across every channel,” said Mark Penn, Managing Partner and President of The Stagwell Group. “Travel numbers around the world are growing year on year and they are very valuable and receptive consumers – a perfect audience for any marketing plan today.”

Inks’ joint CEOs, Michael Keating and Simon Leslie, said “We are delighted to join the Stagwell family, as we can see the many opportunities to further shape the future of media from within this strong group. Significant and solid growth is at the heart of Mark Penn’s plan, and we are thrilled to be part of this international powerhouse.”
Ink will continue to produce inspiring content in 10 languages that help brands engage and connect with travelers around the world. The company will maintain operations under the Ink brand based in London and Michael Keating and Simon Leslie will remain as joint CEOs.

This is the Stagwell Group’s 18th investment in three years. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

About The Stagwell Group
The Stagwell Group LLC is a registered investment advisory company formed by Mark Penn. The Stagwell Group manages a private equity fund whose portfolio includes more than fifteen collaborative, digital-first agencies. Stagwell’s portfolio of high growth companies include digital marketing agency Forward 3D Group, media innovator MMI Agency, healthcare and consumer experts SCOUT, research leader Harris Insights & Analytics, performance marketing firm PMX Agency, creative digital leader Code and Theory, strategic communications agency SKDKnickerbocker, telecommunications researchers HarrisX, entertainment research innovator National Research Group (NRG), public relations firm Finn Partners, communications agency Wye Communications, digital advocacy shop Targeted Victory, creative advertising consultancy Wolfgang, creative agency Observatory, online reputation management firm Reputation Defender and technology innovator Stagwell Technologies. www.stagwellgroup.com.

About Ink
Founded in 1994 in London, Ink is the world leader in travel media, connecting thousands of advertisers and brands to a highly receptive, and growing global audience of 802 million passengers. Ink creates and delivers inspiring, award-winning content for the world’s biggest and greatest airlines, railways, travel companies and their passengers. Ink’s work has been recognized with numerous awards including: Best Overall Editorial, Travel Magazine of the Year, Best Cover, Best Art Director and Best Photography, across events in the Americas, Europe and Asia. In 2017, Ink won 17 prestigious design and editorial awards. In addition to its headquarters in London, Ink has offices in Singapore, Miami, New York, Abu Dhabi and São Paulo. www.ink-global.com.