Management Buyout for Differentology

Newcastle, UK-based research consultancy Differentology has been acquired from marcoms group e>erything d.fferent, by its management team. Terms of the deal involve the other co-founders stepping aside to pursue other business ventures.

The company, which also has offices in London, offers bespoke research to uncover what motivates groups of people. It then helps clients apply these 'human truths' to concepts, journeys, products and positioning before adopting a co-creation approach to spark ideas, and uses 'creative communication' to disseminate the findings.

The management buyout was led by CEO Mark James, who will continue to lead the agency alongside MD Lizzie Gilthorpe, with Head of Research James Dickie also joining the senior executive team. Funding for the MBO was provided by The North East Development Capital Fund, supported by the European Regional Development Fund and managed by Maven Capital Partners, whose Investment Manager Michael Dickens said his team is looking forward to supporting Differentology as it embarks on a programme of growth.

Commenting on the news, James said: 'It's been an incredible journey over the past eight years, as Differentology has transitioned from a one-person team with a challenger mindset, into a multi-award winning, global agency. Today simply marks a natural step in our next phase of exciting growth, and it's a pleasure to welcome Lizzie and James to the executive team'.

Web site: www.differentology.co.uk .