Gyro International to acquire Manchester-based B2B agency

LONDON - Integrated agency Gyro International is in advanced negotiations with Cicero Marketing Communications about acquiring the B2B agency.

Cicero specialises in below-the-line media planning, direct marketing and marketing services, and has a client base that includes Samsung, BNFL, NatWest and Nobel Enterprises.

The Manchester-based agency does more than 95% of its business in the B2B market, and recorded revenues of over £6m last year. It was set up in 1914 and currently has a staff of 55.

Gyro International has been in the market to acquire further business in this field for some time, and talks with Cicero are at an advanced stage, with a deal expected to be finalised shortly.

Gary Brine, chief executive officer of Gyro International, said: "Following the acquisition we will have over 300 staff worldwide and revenues in the region of £50m in the coming year."

Brine also said the company was "currently looking at a number of key acquisitions and start-up opportunities in the UK and internationally", as part of its expansion in 2007.

In February, Gyro International was appointed by T-Mobile to handle its UK B2B marketing programmes.