goetzpartners advised the founders and E-Capital

The shareholders of Mostra, the leader of corporate communication for European institutions and the Nr. 1 PR and advertising agency in Belgium, with revenues around EUR 30 million, have agreed to sell the company to GHK Consulting Ltd., a subsidiary of ICF International, a US-based leading provider of consulting and strategic communication services to government and commercial clients. Fortlane Partners acted as exclusive financial advisor to the shareholders of Mostra.

Franck Portais, Managing Director at Fortlane Partners in Paris, explains: "With a leading position on its niche market for more than five years, Mostra has developed strong services and production capabilities (strategy, creation, audio-visual, design, online, event, media relations, translation, etc.) as well as a unique know-how in terms of European Institutions business development. The acquisition of Mostra by ICF, should allow Mostra to create opportunities for expansion outside of European institutions and enhance Mostra’s communications offerings with complementary technology and advisory capabilities. We are pleased to have successfully organised this value-creating transaction.“

Yves Trouveroy, Partner at E-Capital in Brussels, says about Fortlane Partners’ contribution: “We have been very pleased to work with Fortlane Partners on this transaction. What makes them so special was their attentiveness to all the aspects of the transaction and the financial details but also their constant proactivity. Fortlane Partners was not just a traditional M&A advisor but a precious and efficient support at all stages of the negotiations.“

The transaction is subject to several conditions precedent. Closing is expected within the next few weeks.

About Mostra

Mostra is the leader of corporate communication for European institutions and Nr. 1 public relations and advertising communication agency in Belgium. It holds numerous multi-annual framework contracts with the European Commission, the European Parliament, the EU Council and various EU agencies and also serves some commercial clients. With headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, Mostra employs around 140 people and generates revenues of around EUR 30 million.

About ICF International

ICF International is a leading provider of strategic communication services to government and commercial clients. The group, which is headquartered in the United States generates revenues of around EUR 700 million and employs around 4,500 people in more than 60 offices worldwide.

About E-Capital

E-Capital is a Belgium-based private-equity fund which invests in small and mid size companies (revenues from EUR 10 million to EUR 100 million) operating in Belgium.