Burrell Communications Group Acquired By FVLCRUM

After leading the agency to sustained growth and success since purchasing a majority stake from founder Tom Burrell in 2004, Burrell Communications Group’s Co-CEOs McGhee Osse and Fay Ferguson have announced a transition to new ownership.

Oaklins DeSilva+Phillips client Burrell Communications Group, one of the most highly regarded multicultural advertising agencies in the world, was acquired by an equity consortium led by FVLCRUM Funds (“FVLCRUM”) and Channing Johnson.  The transaction includes the majority stake owned by Osse and Ferguson in addition to the minority stake owned by Publicis.

FVLCRUM is a minority-owned private equity firm based in Rockville, MD that specializes in impact and growth investments, while Johnson is a Los Angeles corporate attorney with decades of experience in media and entertainment. Johnson will serve as Chairman.

Tara DeVeaux, the former CMO of Los Angeles-based Wild Card Creative Group and Managing Director of its creative content division, 3AM, has been named the incoming CEO. Tara has a multifaceted background in advertising, media, and entertainment, with her agency foundation established at Y&R, SpikeDDB, and BBDO where she rose to CMO of the New York office.

John Kaiser, Partner at ODP commented, “Burrell has a rich, pioneering history in multicultural marketing. It was essential to Fay and McGhee that any new owner honor that legacy and the core values of the agency. It’s gratifying to know that FVLCRUM, Channing and Tara recognize the special character of Burrell and are committed to supporting the continued success of the agency in the years to come.”

Oaklins DeSilva+Phillips served as the exclusive financial advisor to Burrell Communications Group. John Kaiser led the deal team with support from co-founder and CEO Reed Phillips, and Partner Jack Noble. This transaction emphasizes our deep sector expertise in advising marketing and media businesses, specifically those within the advertising industry.

Read the official press release here.

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OAKLINS DESILVA+PHILLIPS DEAL TEAM

JOHN KAISER Partner j.kaiser@dp.oaklins.com	REED PHILLIPS CEO r.phillips@dp.oaklins.com	JACK NOBLE Partner j.noble@dp.oaklins.com	MARINA PICCOLO Associate m.piccolo@dp.oaklins.com

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About Burrell Communications Group

Burrell Communications Group was founded in 1971 by renowned ad man Tom Burrell, who led the company for 33 years. Today, Burrell Communications Group is the largest U.S. agency specializing in communications to diverse audiences. The agency boasts a roster of premiere, blue-chip clients that lead in their respective categories, including McDonald’s, Toyota, Comcast, Fidelity, Coca-Cola, FIFCO, and the American Red Cross. For more information, visit burrell.com.