Purchase of MSA digital agency provides some home comforts

Home marketing group bought MSA Digital in a deal backed by Yorkshire Bank’s Leeds financial solutions centre.

The firm, based in Roundhay in Leeds, already works in sectors including advertising, display and digital expertise and its clients have included biscuit-maker McVities, online entertainment firm Party Poker and Leeds Bradford-based airline Jet2.com. It turns over £12m and MSA turns over £4m but said it expects to increase this to £7m. The new group will have more than 90 staff.

Dave Sewards, chief executive of home, said: “As most major pharmaceutical companies have products competing in similar markets, effective marketing is a vital element in providing a competitive edge.

“MSA Digital’s considerable talent and knowledge of this industry, combined with our vast experience of brand communication, both online and offline, makes this a fantastic opportunity for both of us.”

MSA has worked with brands including Pfizer and Goldshield and will now become home digital operating alongside home advertising, home james, home page, CHILLI and The Solution House.

Mary McGregor, managing director of MSA, said it had received several bids but the offer from home was the only one it wanted to pursue. The deal was backed by Yorkshire Bank’s Investing for Growth Initiative, which enables businesses to take loan repayment holidays, interest-only repayments and extended loan and credit terms in order to expand.