It was announced today that Hart Ventures Plc, the venture capital arm of the estate of Sir Emmanuel Kaye, the founder of Lansing Bagnall, has acquired a 35% stake in the Guildford based Sports Sponsorship and PR agency, Craigie Taylor International. Hart Ventures Plc will be spending an initial consideration of £2.8 million.

Hart Ventures has over eight years of experience of investing in a number of companies in different markets, helping them to develop and expand, while enabling them to maximise their true potential as early as possible.

Commenting on the agreement, Marcus Robertson, Chairman of Craigie Taylor International said;

‘Our partnership with Hart Ventures Plc represents an extremely exciting and important step forward for Craigie Taylor. It comes on the back of the recent appointment of Glen Kirton as International Director which has added strength and experience to our overseas and football credentials. Our PR Division remains as strong as ever and coupled with our sponsorship expertise will enable the company to continue to expand both organically and through strategic acquisitions.’

Ian Williams, Chairman of Hart Ventures Plc, who becomes a non-executive Director of Craigie Taylor International, commented: ‘Having observed the steady and ongoing growth of the sponsorship market, Hart Ventures has for some time been actively looking to invest in this area. We have looked seriously at a number of sports sponsorship agencies but we felt strongly that Craigie Taylor had the most to offer, in terms of the company culture, potential for growth and in the complete range of services it provides for its clients. The development of a rights acquisition area and increased strength in the motor racing division will undoubtedly further strengthen the already impressive credentials of the company.’

The strengthening of the motor division comes in the form of the appointment of Matthew Argenti, former Managing Director of API/Octagon, prior to its sale to The Octagon Group. Argenti was the catalyst for the agreement between Hart and Craigie Taylor and he joins the company as Commercial Director as of 17 July 2000. He will principally be involved in setting up the new rights sales and acquisitions department as well as developing the company’s motor racing interests.

He commented: ‘I have been extremely impressed with both the culture of the company and the quality and commitment of the board members and staff. Craigie Taylor is one of the fastest growing sponsorship agencies in the UK and these new developments will help the agency take another major step forward.’

Ian Williams and Matthew Argenti will join the Craigie Taylor board from 17 July 2000.

For Further Information Please Contact:
Craigie Taylor International

Marcus Robertson,
tel: +44(0)1483 209803

Matthew Argenti,
mob: 0774 701 3030