LONDON — Private equity firm Waterland has taken a majority stake in Markettiers4DC, the data and insight, broadcast and virtual events and live streaming group.

The initial deal and follow on funding will enable Markettiers4DC to expand internationally – focusing initially on the North American market – through a “buy and build” programme that will include acquisitions as well as accelerating investment in services and talent.

Markettiers4DC, founded by CEO Howard Kosky (pictured, second left) in 1994, now has a team of 150 people in the UK and UAE, working with clients including Rolls-Royce, Linkedin and Unilever, and grew revenue by 30% last year. Kosky will continue to lead the business, supported by Markettiers4DC group MD Peter Mitchell, Nicky Marks, MD of research arms Censuswide and Opinion Matters, and Scott Jackson, MD of virtual events and live streaming division Through The I.

Kosky said: “In Waterland, we have found an experienced and supportive partner to help us achieve our growth ambitions. We see strong potential to expand our business internationally, particularly in the US, and Waterland’s experience as a specialist buy and build investor will help deliver our acquisition strategy, finding the right businesses to partner with and integrate into the growing Markettiers4DC network.”

Independent private equity firm Waterland was founded in the Netherlands in 1999. It has investments in more than 880 companies in 80 markets and manages €9 billion in funds. Its experience in the marketing and communications industries includes investment in Swiss corporate communications firm Farner Consulting and digital agency group Sideshow.

Waterland Private Equity associate principal Ryan Hallworth said: “Markettiers4DC has all the hallmarks of an exciting Waterland investment. Successful for nearly 30 years with a history of growth and innovation and a global client base, the business is well placed to expand both in the UK and internationally.

“The company operates in a highly-fragmented market offering compelling opportunities for value-adding acquisitions in both the UK and North America. We very much look forward to working alongside Howard and the team as they embark on the next stage of their growth journey.”

The deal was brokered by PCB Partners, acting as the sell-side advisor to Markettiers4DC. Kosky said: “Markettiers4DC worked with the team at PCB Partners to find the right investor to help accelerate our growth plans. The PCB team brought a deep knowledge of the market, and took an entrepreneurial approach to help find us the perfect partner in Waterland.”

PCB partner Andrew Bloch (pictured, left) added: “It was an absolute pleasure working with Howard and the management team at Markettiers4DC to help them find an investor to realise their ambitious expansion plans. In Waterland, they have found the perfect partner. I look forward to watching them go from strength to strength.”

Also pictured are PCB Partners founder Ben Doltis (second right) and Perry Yam (right), global co-head of corporate and securities at Mayer Brown, which provided legal counsel for the deal.