Both firms work for major global brands

ADM snaps up Indicia Worldwide

ADM: "Our clients will benefit from a single source for all their marketing activation needs"

Konica Minolta is selling its Indicia Worldwide marketing services business to ADM Group.

The deal is subject to regulatory approvals, which are expected to take two-to-three months. 

The two business will subsequently merge, with the combined company to be headquartered in London and serving more than 800 brands worldwide.

ADM Group had sales of just under €394m (£329.6m) in its most recent results, to 31 December 2023.

It has offices in 33 countries, providing branding and marketing execution services to global brands.

Konica Minolta Marketing Services – born out of KM’s 2012 acquisition of Charterhouse PM – has traded as Indicia Worldwide since 2020.

The deal encompasses three topcos in Europe, Australia and the US, plus subsidiaries, giving a total of 26 companies worldwide.

The merged global footprint will involve 46 offices in 33 countries. The two groups currently employ more than 1,000 people.

In the year to 31 March 2024 the Indicia business had worldwide sales of £163m.

Explaining the rationale for the sale, KM said that as part of its profit improvement plans it was examining non-core businesses from a “best-owner perspective”, including the potential use of third-party capital.

It stated: “The company has decided that the best option is to sell Marketing Print Management services to ADM Group.”

The terms of the deal were not disclosed. 

Merged global footprint will involve 46 offices in 33 countries

 ADM Group CEO Ed Colflesh said it was “an exciting day” for both companies.

“By combining our strengths, we are creating a truly unique offering in the market. Our clients will benefit from a single source for all their marketing activation needs, from strategy and creative development to production and delivery, supported by integrated workflow technology driving data-driven insights and impactful brand activation,” he said.

Indicia Worldwide global CEO Yves Rogivue commented: “We are delighted to be joining forces with ADM Group.

“As brands seek omnichannel marketing, our unique proposition will help marketing teams to plan, create, activate and measure joined up campaigns, at scale, driving engagement, and accelerating growth, whilst continuing to deliver the efficiency and effectiveness that drives ROI for our clients.”

Konica Minolta expects to book a ¥11.5bn (£59.4m) loss on the deal, although this figure could fluctuate.

At the balance sheet date on 31 March 2023 Konica Minolta Marketing Services EMEA had owed its KM parentco £60.3m.

ADM Group is backed by Equistone Partners Europe. In March 2024 investors provided additional funding of €11m to support future growth and expansion.

Indicia clients include Unilever, Nestlé and L’Oréal, Nissan, Renault and JP Morgan.

ADM Group clients include AB InBev, Mondelez, Budweiser, Stella Artois and Helena Rubinstein.

The two firms will continue to operate separately during the approvals period, with leadership also working on plans for the merger.