Engauge Marketing Acquired by Publicis

NEW YORK, Aug. 14, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, Halyard Capital, a New York-based private equity fund, announced the sale of its portfolio company, Engauge Marketing LLC ("Engauge"), to Publicis Groupe S.A., the worldwide marketing services holding company.  No financial terms were disclosed.

Engauge is one of the leading digital advertising services agencies in the U.S.  Engauge was founded by Halyard Capital, in partnership with the legendary marketing executive, Stan Rapp, with the goal of bringing together innovative, best-of-breed marketing capabilities under one unified brand.  Launched in 2007, Engauge was formed through the union of Ten United, a Columbus, Ohio-based advertising agency with offices in Pittsburgh and Orlando; Spunlogic, a digital marketing services company in Atlanta; and Direct Impact, a database analytics and CRM company in Austin, Texas. These combined areas of expertise have given Engauge a strong position in the dynamic and increasingly digitally-driven advertising services sector.  The company provides full-service advertising and digital marketing services, including a burgeoning social media marketing practice, to more than 30 clients.  Engauge today has four offices and approximately 250 employees.

Nick Bandy, CEO of Engauge said: "We are deeply appreciative of the strategic guidance and support that Halyard Capital has provided Engauge over the last six years.  They have been outstanding partners for our management team, as we have navigated the increasingly complex world of digital marketing.  The acquisition by Publicis Groupe validates our strategy and will benefit both our clients and our employees, as we tap into the resources and expertise of one of the world's leading communication groups."

Jonathan Barnes, Partner of Halyard Capital, added, "The team at Halyard expresses its sincere thanks to the entire Engauge management team for its commitment, creativity and hard work over the last six years.  Engauge's outstanding capabilities have been recognized by many of the top brand marketers in the U.S and we are proud to have been the company's founding owner.  This sale to Publicis is an exciting next step in the growth of Engauge."

Engauge Marketing and Halyard Capital were represented by investment bank Petsky Prunier, which served as the exclusive financial advisor on the transaction.  Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP provided legal counsel to the sellers.  Davis & Gilbert LLP provided legal counsel to Publicis Groupe.

About Halyard Capital
Halyard is a private equity firm with over $600 million of capital under management, focused on creating value within the Information and Knowledge economies through its thesis-driven investments. Halyard invests in technology-enabled Information, Data Analytics, Communications and Business Services companies that cater to industries including Healthcare, Education, Marketing Services, Human Capital Management and Media.

The Firm specializes in growth equity, middle-market leveraged buyouts and structured equity investments. Halyard invests in and works closely with exceptional management teams in companies with superior market positions which generate strong cash flow and operate in attractive growth markets.

About Engauge Marketing
Engauge is a full-service marketing agency for the digital and social age. Engauge helps grow its clients' businesses by leveraging creativity and technology to connect brands and consumers through the most relevant content and channels. The agency's client roster includes Nationwide Insurance, Coca-Cola, Chick-fil-A, UPS and CiscoSystems. Engauge has offices in Atlanta, Columbus, Orlando, and Pittsburgh.

About Publicis Groupe
Publicis Groupe [Euronext Paris FR0000130577, CAC 40] is one of the world's leading communications groups. We offer the full range of services and skills: digital (DigitasLBi, Razorfish, Rosetta, VivaKi), creative services (BBH, Leo Burnett, Publicis Worldwide, Saatchi & Saatchi), public affairs, corporate communications and events (MSLGROUP), media strategy, planning and buying (Starcom MediaVest Group and ZenithOptimedia) and healthcare communications, with Publicis Healthcare Communications Group  (PHCG). Present in 108 countries, the Groupe employs 60,000 professionals.

SOURCE Halyard Capital