Cagney eyes acquisition trail

Cagney, the marketing services group, says it is looking to make acquisitions across digital advertising, media buying and direct marketing to strengthen its position in the market. The four-strong group is planning to grow to between ten and 12 agencies.

The group, which owns advertising agency Chick Smith Trott, announced the plans as it reported profits of £5.5m on turnover of £8.2m after its first full year on the Alternative Investment Market. It also reported pre-tax profits of £300,000.

It acquired consumer research and insight agency Tree earlier this year and is seeking to expand through further acquisitions as well as organic growth.

Cagney says that it has successfully integrated its four founding businesses, which also include brand consultancy BrandAid, PR agency The Media Foundry and Cubo, a promotional marketing company, and has generated both standalone and integrated new business. The group is headed by chief executive Paul Simons (pictured).

It says its most notable win has been the relaunch of BWIA as Caribbean Airlines, which it launched in January.