MSQ Partners says it’s not in merger talks with S4 Capital

The announcement comes after S4 Capital had said it was in preliminary talks regarding a “possible combination” with its agency group counterpart.

MSQ Partners has said it’s “surprised” by recent speculation regarding a potential merger with S4 Capital, which would have seen Sir Martin Sorrell’s agency acquire the group.

In a statement, a representative of MSQ referred to the “rumoured transaction” and confirmed that neither the agency nor its majority shareholder, One Equity Partners, intended to pursue discussions regarding the potential merger.

It added that MSQ’s board of directors had not been involved in any discussions that may have taken place.

The statement said: “MSQ confirms that the board of directors of MSQ has not been involved in discussions regarding, or considered any proposal for, the rumoured transaction.

“While speculative informal conversations form part of the investor community and MSQ understands that such discussions may have taken place between representatives of One Equity Partners, MSQ’s majority shareholder, and S4 Capital, for the avoidance of doubt, neither OEP nor MSQ intends to pursue further discussions regarding the tumoured transaction.”

It added: “MSQ remains focused on and confident in its primarily organic growth strategy, which has delivered consistent revenue and EBITDA growth over a 15-year period.”

S4 Capital, owned by Sir Sorrell, had previously said it was in early talks with MSQ Partners about a potential merger, which would be structured as an acquisition of the agency.

The Drum has approached S4 Capital for comment.

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