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READ MORE2022 WAS A BUOYANT YEAR FOR M&A DEAL ACTIVITYIN THE TECH, DIGITAL, MEDIA & MARKETING SECTORS
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READ MORECIESCO ADVISES ELEMENT34, THE LEADING GLOBAL PROVIDER OF ENTERPRISE SELENIUM INFRASTRUCTURE BEHIND-THE-FIREWALL, ON ITS ACQUISITION BY BANYAN SOFTWARE
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READ MORECIESCO ADVISES MEDIAPATH NETWORK, A TECHNOLOGY-DRIVEN MULTI-NATIONAL MEDIA CONSULTANCY, ON ITS SALE TO EBIQUITY PLC
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READ MORECIESCO ADVISES COGNITE, THE LEADING HEALTHCARE STRATEGY & COMMUNICATIONS AGENCY, ON ITS INVESTMENT FROM VESPA CAPITAL
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VIEW OUR DEALSARCHITECTING GREAT M&A DEALS IN TECHNOLOGY, DIGITAL, MEDIA AND MARKETING SECTOR
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READ MORECIESCO ADVISES ON THE SALE OF RIGHTSPEND TO LDC PRIVATE EQUITY
Dealmakers in technology, digital, media and marketing sectors
We deliver creative, independent, and high-quality advice tailored to our clients’ needs based on our deep understanding of the sector, strong transactional expertise, and extensive network of senior level contacts.
/ M&A
Ciesco connects entrepreneurs and financial and strategic investors around the globe to create the perfect cultural fit and innovative partnerships that form platforms for growth and build better businesses for the future. While providing a level of insight, empathy, senior commitment and hard work that is unrivalled in the market.
We deliver hands-on support throughout the process, advising on sector dynamics, valuation and how best to position a business for sale/acquisition, leading the approach to and negotiations with potential buyers/ targets, managing the due diligence process and co-ordinating completion mechanics.
/ experience
Ciesco team has successfully architected award winning deals
globally and has been recognized for their deep industry
knowledge and thought leadership.
CIESCO Q1 2023 GLOBAL M&A UPDATE
CIESCO 2022 GLOBAL M&A REVIEW & 2023 OUTLOOK
Ciesco advises Element34, the leading global enterprise-focused provider of behind-the-firewall automated testing infrastructure, on its acquisition by Banyan Software
CIESCO GLOBAL M&A UPDATE Q3 2022
CIESCO H1 2022 GLOBAL M&A REVIEW & H2 2022 OUTLOOK
Ciesco advises MediaPath Network, a technology-driven multi-national media consultancy, on its sale to Ebiquity plc
Ciesco advises Cognite, the leading healthcare strategy and communications agency, on its investment from Vespa Capital
CIESCO 2021 GLOBAL M&A REVIEW & 2022 OUTLOOK

Ciesco quickly grasped the nature of our business, what makes us desirable and how future ownership models could help us fulfil our growth ambitions. They ran a disciplined and highly professional process and worked tirelessly to provide us with multiple strategic options. We have deeply appreciated the support and insight Ciesco have provided to us.”
Daniel SingerCEO MavensRight from the outset of the process, we knew that Ciesco were the best advisors to help us navigate this transaction. From Day 1 through to deal completion, the Ciesco team provided us with an outstanding level of service, support and solutions focus, resulting in an impressive range of potential deal options and delivering an excellent result. They showed genuine sector understanding throughout and were able to instantly identify the key properties and values of the business.”
Ciesco’s understanding of our vision and strategic goals was crucial in securing us the right partner.”
Ciesco were the ideal advisory partner for us and their support was invaluable throughout the whole process. Ciesco’s deep knowledge of the digital, technology and marketing sectors was crucial as they helped us understand how best to leverage our unique position.”
Ciesco’s deal-making expertise and negotiation skills were put to good use on this transaction. They managed to achieve the best possible outcome for our Australian operations, helping architect a deal that has created a new, No 1 healthcare player in the market.”
Ciesco’s expertise of the digital media market proved invaluable in securing the right buyer and a successful outcome for all parties.”
/ team
Our team applies a modern approach to global deal making with a unique combination of senior level industry practitioners and sector specialist investment bankers
/ Annabelle Pugh
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT
Annabelle is an Executive Assistant and Office Administrator at Ciesco. She has a wealth of experience and knowledge and works closely with other Ciesco team members, clients and suppliers, ensuring effective operational process.
Annabelle manages the day-to-day running of the office and supports the team, ensuring that any administrative tasks are carefully carried out to assist in business management, origination and M&A execution. She also tracks deal activity in Ciesco’s market intelligence division, and manages the production of Ciesco M&A Reviews.
Prior to joining Ciesco, Annabelle gained experience at Sifcon International Plc and Quilter Financial Planning.
She holds an MA degree in English Literary Studies and a BA degree with Honours in English, both from the University of Exeter.
/ Chris Sahota
CEO & Founder
Chris is the founding partner and CEO of Ciesco. He has over 25 years of experience in media, marketing and technology and has lived and worked in London, New York and Brussels. Throughout his career he has worked with management teams and businesses globally.
Prior to setting up Ciesco, Chris has held senior regional positions at some of the leading companies within the sector. He was the Global Head of M&A for McCann WorldGroup, the Chief Operating Officer of EMEA for McCann Erickson and prior to joining McCann he had previously managed the North American Operations of Initiative Media and the International Operations of Foote Cone & Belding. He also gained exposure to working with some of the leading global brands, from the large auto groups such as Chrysler and General Motors to the technology giants, Samsung and Microsoft.
Chris is a practitioner from the industry having operated across all disciplines of digital, media and marketing, with specific sector experience in the technology-enabled media and marketing space. He has managed and evaluated hundreds of businesses across the globe during his corporate career. He is able to use the knowledge, experience and contacts this has brought him to the commercial advantage of Ciesco’s clients.
/ Colin Wheeler
Partner
Colin is a strategic marketer and consultant with over thirty years’ experience working agency, client and consultancy side having built and managed blue-chip brands and businesses with an emphasis on commercial & financial planning, business development, marketing strategy and communications, and digital acceleration.
Colin has been involved in growing and selling advertising businesses throughout his career, and has proven ability and success in managing global client businesses, most significantly with Vodafone at WPP. He brings a wealth of capability and learning to the Ciesco team with his deep experience and understanding in building and managing agency resources to deliver best practice and profitability. Colin’s deep insights into agency and client thinking extends into multi categories and sectors on a global basis, including Technology, Mobile Telecommunications, Financial Services, Pharma & Healthcare, Leisure & Travel and FMCG.
/ David McDonagh
Partner
David is a Partner at Ciesco. David brings a depth of strategic and operational finance experience from PE backed start-ups through to the best-known names in technology and innovation. He has a track record of delivering excellent commercial results through his financial insight and business partnering skills.
Prior to joining Ciesco, David was a Group CFO at AudioBoom. At AudioBoom he was a full board member responsible for financial strategy and reporting and led two successful public fund raise rounds totaling £7 million.
David’s previous roles include EMEA Director of Finance at WideOrbit, US Digital Technology company, where he was responsible for the launch of the EMEA region. David integrated 3 subsidiaries into the WideOrbit systems, acted as interim COO for the French subsidiary, including relocating the Paris office.
David also held senior Finance roles at Apple, Flashbay and Hewlett Packard.
/ Alan Matthews
Advisory Board
As a Partner at Ciesco, Alan brings experience gained in a long and successful career combining time as an investment banker, a commercial Chief Financial/Operational Officer and effective Non-Executive Chairman.
Having raised funds for over 100 companies in public & private markets and taken the lead in numerous M&A transactions, Alan offers Ciesco clients an impressive range of contacts and a proven ability to bring assignments to a successful conclusion.
After graduating from Pembroke College Cambridge, Alan qualified as a Chartered Accountant with PwC. He then joined the world of investment banking and for the next 20 years he worked in equity research, capital markets and corporate finance roles for some of the UK’s best known mid-cap brokers as well as global banks.
The most recent phase of Alan’s career has involved working for a private equity group in a series of financial and operational roles for its international portfolio of businesses, and acting as NED and NEC with London listed business. Most recently he worked as the CFO of a newly established and rapidly growing sustainability services and solutions provider involving equity fundraising to support the group’s expansion & conducting 11 acquisitions across the UK, USA, Germany, UAE, China and the Philippines.
/ Aika Kussimova
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR
Aika is an Associate Director at Ciesco. Since joining the firm, Aika has been working on cross-border and domestic transactions. She has also been instrumental in the company’s origination efforts and contibuted to Ciesco’s market intelligence.
Ciesco clients benefit from Aika’s comprehensive understanding of the sectors, strong project management skills and timely and objective commercial and financial analysis that further informs M&A decision-making.
Aika holds an MSc degree in Accounting & Finance from London School of Economics and a BSc degree with Honours in Business Management from King’s College London.
/ Eliza Haxhinasto Naço
ASSOCIATE
Eliza is an Associate at Ciesco. Currently, she supports the dynamic team with in-depth financial, industry and marketing analyses using her quantitative and research skills acquired from both past internships and academic studies.
Eliza works within deal teams with clients supporting them at each stage of the M&A processes with commercial analysis, financial modelling and completion of the transactions.
Prior to joining the company, Eliza has gained her experience at Invenio Corporate Finance, Deloitte and B.B. Energy.
She graduated with an MSc in Finance and Accounting from Imperial Business School. She also holds a BSc (Hons) degree in Economics and Finance from Queen Mary University of London.
/ Jack Andrews
Analyst
Jack provides deal support on M&A transactions with responsibilities including financial analysis, valuation and preparing deal documentation.
Prior to joining Ciesco, Jack gained experience working for a family office and a corporate finance boutique.
Jack graduated with a first-class MSc in Corporate Finance from Cass Business School and holds an MSc and BEng in Chemical Engineering.
Outside of work, Jack is a sports enthusiast and a dedicated Reading FC supporter.
In his spare time, he also enjoys travelling, motor racing and socialising with friends.
/ Giordano Mottola
Senior Analyst
Giordano is an Analyst at Ciesco. He uses his strong financial analysis skills to provide deal support on M&A transactions. He works closely with the market intelligence team, using his research skills, to examine global M&A deal activity.
Before joining Ciesco, Giordano gained experience as a Financial Analyst in a Tech start-up.
Giordano holds an MSc degree in Corporate Finance from Cass Business School and a BSc degree with Honours in Banking and Finance from London Metropolitan University.
During his free time, Giordano plays football and tennis. He is also an amateur chef and food enthusiast.
/ William Oldcorn
Analyst
Will joined Ciesco as an Analyst after a successful internship during his studies. He currently supports the deal teams from the beginning of sourcing transactions to their execution with financial analysis and market intelligence.
Prior to joining Ciesco, he interned at Stifel Europe in Paris, working as an Equity Research Analyst as part of his studies.
Will recently graduated from the University of Sussex with a BSc in Accounting and Finance.
Outside the office, Will is an avid sports fan, and can often be found at Stamford Bridge supporting his local football team, Chelsea FC. In his spare time, he enjoys playing 5-a-side football and socialising with friends.
/ Nicolas Pétré
Analyst
Nicolas is an Analyst at Ciesco. He provides deal support throughout the M&A transaction cycle from origination through to execution, including financial analysis and deal documentation. He also assists the market intelligence team to monitor deal activity.
Prior to joining Ciesco, Nicolas gained experience in Private Equity at TheClubDeal, and also interned at Degroof Petercam within their M&A team.
Nicolas holds a Master’s degree in Finance from IE Business School and a BBA from ICHEC Brussels Management School.
Outside of work, Nicolas dedicates his time to his favourite sports such as horse riding, squash, and running, and also enjoys travelling and socialising with friends.
/ Daniel Glentworth
Analyst
Daniel is an Analyst at Ciesco, providing support on M&A transactions by investigating global deals and private equity, delivering market intelligence research, and preparing documentation.
He holds a first-class honours degree in BSc International Business from Loughborough University.
During his studies, Daniel spent six months in China at the University of Nottingham Ningbo. He also obtained a Diploma in Professional Studies by advising on sales at a corporate finance boutique.
After graduating, Daniel gained further experience working for PwC, where he developed financial analysis and accountancy skills prior to joining Ciesco.
Sports plays a large part of Daniel’s life outside of work, as does travelling, meeting new people and socialising with friends.
/ Annabelle Pugh
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT
Annabelle is an Executive Assistant and Office Administrator at Ciesco. She has a wealth of experience and knowledge and works closely with other Ciesco team members, clients and suppliers, ensuring effective operational process.
Annabelle manages the day-to-day running of the office and supports the team, ensuring that any administrative tasks are carefully carried out to assist in business management, origination and M&A execution. She also tracks deal activity in Ciesco’s market intelligence division, and manages the production of Ciesco M&A Reviews.
Prior to joining Ciesco, Annabelle gained experience at Sifcon International Plc and Quilter Financial Planning.
She holds an MA degree in English Literary Studies and a BA degree with Honours in English, both from the University of Exeter.
/ Sarah Atkins
Associate Partner
Sarah brings to Ciesco over 25 years’ experience of driving business growth through effective use of insight technology and creativity. Her most recent role was as Customer Director at Value Retail, the world leader in luxury outlet retailing, where she was responsible for Customer Insights, CRM and Customer Experience. Prior to that Sarah was Managing Director at a boutique marketing consultancy emnoss where she was responsible for rebuilding the business after the departure of the fonder as well as delivering high end consultancy projects for clients as diverse as Co-op, Waitrose, BP and Camelot.
Prior to that Sarah has worked in both client side and agency roles including a 14 year spell in Wunderman UK in a variety of roles which culminated in her operating for nearly four years as their COO.
/ Contact us
Huge thanks to @TW_Seal from @Bloomberg for chairing the panel discussion at the Ciesco 2022 Review launch. The panel consisted of @mrgrtwgnr , @simonhitchcock , Mark Brammer, @tabithaelwes and our keynote speaker @dwheld . pic.twitter.com/0DRtaxKG6S
About 4 months ago from Ciesco's Twitter via Twitter Web App
Thank you to all who attended the @CiescoGroup 2022 M&A Review Launch event last week! We had 130+ industry professionals with the most interesting topics up for discussion, including the keynote speech from David Wheldon and a panel discussion. Thank you @twobirds for hosting! pic.twitter.com/7xyDDKNQxr
About 4 months ago from Ciesco's Twitter via Twitter Web App
Fantastic to see our upcoming H1 2022 report featured in @WSJ by @PatrickCoffee! Our market intelligence data shows a 38% growth in deal volume. Read more below: on.wsj.com/3z1JUws #MandA #WSJ #Ciesco
About 11 months ago from Ciesco's Twitter via Twitter Web App
Will falling tech valuations kick off an m&a boom? Learn more below! ⬇️ #Valuations #Netflix #Tech #MandA twitter.com/csahota/status…
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