PRWeek UK understands that, post-investment, Forward Global plans to invest €150m (£130m) to acquire PR firms in the UK, Europe and North America. The focus will be on agencies specialising in brand and geopolitical risk management, financial investigation and cybersecurity capabilities.
Forward Global hopes to make acquisitions between 2024 and 2026.
BDC, the midcap investment vehicle of Bridgepoint, is set to take a minority stake in the company for a €100m investment. The deal values the group, which is headquartered in Paris, at over €200m (£180m).
In September last year, Forward Global opened a London office led by John Watts, a former special adviser to then-Prime Minister Tony Blair.
The firm’s London office specialises in global litigation support services, UK and EU public and regulatory affairs, public diplomacy and geopolitical risk, supported by digital and strategic communications teams.
Matthieu Creux, president of Forward Global, said: “Forward Global are particularly proud to be able to partner with Bridgepoint Development Capital and to continue our entrepreneurial relationship with RAISE Invest and Rives Croissance. Our roadmap is very clear: continue to improve and multiply our technological tools and expand our international footprint as a leader in the risk management market, with the goal of scaling up.”
Forward Global employs more than 450 staff and has four main offices in Paris, Brussels, London and Washington, DC, supporting more than 1,200 international clients. In 2024, the group said its turnover will exceed £84m.
The closing of the investment is subject to the necessary administrative approvals and is expected to take place over the summer of 2024.