Higgs advises on media company buy-out

16 May 2023

Award-winning law firm Higgs LLP has been praised for its “invaluable support” in assisting Insider Media in its sale to National World plc.

Higgs offered sell-side legal advice as the UK’s leading regional B2B media company entered new ownership.

Insider has built a loyal following of its business-orientated magazines, daily business newsletters and business information over 33 years. It will organise 93 events in 2023, including the renowned Dealmaker Awards, and is forecast to generate year-on-year profit growth once again at the end of the current financial year.

National World plc provides news and information services in the UK through a portfolio of multimedia publications and websites for global, national, regional and local audiences. Brands include The Scotsman and Yorkshire Post.

Insider’s shareholders wanted to ensure the company had a strong future and National World was a buyer that will continue to invest in high-quality content, as well as the business infrastructure and the people.

Retiring managing director Marlen Roberts said: “As an SME we wanted to ensure we got top quality advice whilst keeping costs reasonable and proportionate for individual shareholders.

“Higgs were very supportive and very professional. Their assistance was invaluable and the whole team offered individual help as and when we needed it. We couldn’t have asked for a better legal team.”

Marlen Roberts

Retiring managing director

Richard Griffiths, Head of Corporate Law at Higgs, led on the deal.

“It was a pleasure to work with Marlen and the team on this deal, which ensures the long-term success of the fantastic Insider business, benefitting its shareholders and employees,” he said.

“National World plc is a market leader in many geographical and vertical areas and will be a strong custodian of the market leading Insider brand.

“Our corporate team has already enjoyed a busy 2023 with deals completed across a variety of sectors and pipeline remains strong for the rest of the year.”

Mark Wilson and Oliver Stephens of Headpoint Advisers provided corporate finance advice to the shareholders on the sale.

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