Clearwater International UK advises Equistone on its investment in Inspired Thinking Group

Clearwater International UK has advised private equity firm Equistone Partners Europe (Equistone) on acquiring a majority stake in marketing services provider Inspired Thinking Group (ITG) from Bridgepoint Development Capital alongside management in an undisclosed deal.

ITG provides marketing content and campaign services to key clients including Heineken, Sainsbury's and Audi. The company has grown rapidly since founded by Simon Ward in 2009, supported by a series of locally funded transactions which saw Livingbridge invest in 2010 before Bridgepoint acquired a majority stake in 2014.

The company made two acquisitions under Bridgepoint's ownership - creative consultancy Vitamin in 2015 and last year Creator, which provides electronic customer relationship management, also advised by Clearwater International UK.

This transaction allows ITG to continue expanding its range of online and offline marketing services which include a content creation studio, print management and strategic planning.