Double Helix Bio-Technology Limited / McCann Health

Cavendish is delighted to have advised on the sale of Double Helix Bio-Technology Development Ltd (“ Double Helix”), a leading, global provider of Market Research and Market Access services to the pharmaceutical and medical device industries, to McCann Health, owned by Interpublic Group [NYSE: IPG].

Founded by Dr Wayne Phillips and based in London, Double Helix employs over 90 employees in four offices strategically located in London, New York, Philadelphia (Fort Washington,P.A.), and Singapore. Double Helix not only specialises in the established markets of the US and Europe, but also focuses on emerging markets, providing clients with a truly global perspective. In the past year, Double Helix has performed projects across more than 40 countries for over 30 major pharmaceutical multinational clients.

McCann Health is a part of McCann Worldgroup, the largest marketing communications agency network in the world, and is a leading healthcare agency network owned by Interpublic Group [NYSE: IPG].

Dr Phillips will continue as CEO of Double Helix, reporting to John Cahill, CEO of McCann Health.

Dr. Phillips said, “ Linda and the team at Cavendish were superb. They managed a competitive sale process and generated interest from international buyers from the broad media and healthcare sectors. McCann Health is the right partner to allow us to leverage our strong reputational position and provide us with the resources to create an exciting and fulfilling future through the continued development and further internationalisation of the business.”

The deal was led by Linda Sullivan, Media and Technology Director at Cavendish. Linda Sullivan commented:

“ We are very pleased with this result. After a competitive sale process we identified a buyer who met our client’s price expectations and is the right strategic fit. The sale highlights the interest in quality market research and market access businesses in the healthcare sector from multinational media groups and healthcare consultancy businesses.

“The finnCap Cavendish team, led by Michael Jewell, did a fantastic job, running a truly competitive international process and managing the transaction through the diligence process with great skill. They were instrumental in delivering this deal and the strong outcome.”

James Wooster, Director, Owner Venture Managers

“We are absolutely delighted with the outcome of this deal and are excited to be joining DNV. This strategic decision will enable us to further accelerate our long-term growth objectives and showcase our unique LUNA technology. Karri and Harry have achieved an outstanding result for us through their wealth of sector expertise and highly commercial advice and it has been a joy working with them.”

Barry Mulholland, Founding Partner at MBI

“We’re excited to be joining the Calibre Scientific family, who will enable us to further accelerate our long-term strategic growth objectives. The finnCap Cavendish team has achieved a fantastic result for our Shareholders. Their wealth of sector expertise, professionalism and unwavering dedication throughout the process were instrumental in achieving a successful completion.”

Darren Likely, CEO, Agar

‘finnCapCavendish have great international connections and were able to bring an Australian buyer in the patient flow software sector to us. Their tenacity and understanding of the deal dynamics enabled us to run a smooth process and sell Extramed to a strategic buyer.’

James Steventon, CEO Hospedia Limited

“The team at Cavendish have done a fantastic job advising the Board of Zenith. They were confident that there would be strong overseas interest in the business and they managed that interest extremely professionally. We are delighted with the outcome and look forward to the next chapter for Zenith.”

Ringo Francis, CEO Zenith Hygiene

“The Cavendish Team, led by Michael Jewell, did an excellent job managing a well-orchestrated auction process and ensuring the smooth closing of the transaction in a timely manner. They were professional and easy to deal with throughout and committed to achieving a successful outcome for the shareholders.”

Rhian Griffith, representative of the Shareholders at SG Court

I am very pleased to have found such a complementary match in Venture Life, a highly successful consumer healthcare group with a reputation for accelerating the growth of the brands it acquires.
The resources and expertise of Venture Life will see Periproducts on a trajectory of rapid growth under the guidance of a proven management team, through enhanced marketing opportunities, new product development and, crucially, access to a substantial number of export markets.The Cavendish team were of great assistance throughout the sale process and in particular finding us the most fitting acquirer, helped by their strong networks in healthcare and their understanding of the oral care market.

Richard Bernholt, managing director of Periproducts

“We are delighted to partner with Bridgepoint who will help take MVF to the next level. Bridgepoint has proved to be the perfect match for MVF because they understand the company vision and culture and have the financial capability and international reach to support the continued growth of the business.

We made absolutely the right choice in appointing Cavendish. Michael Jewell and the team were instrumental in getting us the deal we wanted. I would have no hesitation in recommending them to anyone thinking about a sales process.”

Titus Sharpe, CEO of MVF

I wanted to express my personal thanks to you for all your efforts in achieving a successful sale of Yorktest. I never knew how stressful and complex the sale process could be. I really do appreciate your finding a good deal in quite difficult circumstances.

John GrahamFormer Chairman of Yorktest

The Cavendish Team, led by Michael Jewell, did an excellent job managing a well-orchestrated auction process and ensuring the smooth closing of the transaction in a timely manner. They were professional and easy to deal with throughout and committed to achieving a successful outcome for the shareholders.

Rhian GriffithRepresentative of the Shareholders at SG Court