International law firm Simmons & Simmons is advising Future plc on the recommended acquisition of GoCo Group plc (the listed company whose brands include GoCompare.com). The acquisition values GoCo group at c.£594 million, with consideration to be paid as a mix of cash and new shares in Future.
Future’s strategy is to expand its global reach through organic growth, acquisitions, and strategic partnerships. GoCo Group operates a number of savings websites in the UK, including GoCompare.com, one of the leading price comparison websites, in addition to being a leader in the fast-growing automated switching segment.
This acquisition builds on previous deals on which Simmons has advised Future, with this latest transaction identified by Future as a unique strategic opportunity to create a leading global specialist media and intent platform.
The Simmons team was led by corporate partners Steph Featherstone and Mark Curtis, who worked in tandem with lawyers from across the firm, including its corporate, banking, regulatory, employment, competition teams as well as with Simmons Wavelength who supported with legal engineering input. Completion is expected in Q1 of 2021.
Commenting on the deal, Steph said:
“The Simmons team are pleased to be advising Future once again - building on the most recent success of its acquisition of TI Media, which was completed in April. We are delighted that we can continue to assist Future in the delivery of its exciting growth strategy.”