Gowling WLG's Corporate team has acted for SEC S.p.A, the largest independent advocacy, public relations and integrated communications agency in the Italian market, on its admission to trading on AIM.
Partner David Brennan led the transaction and was assisted by Principal Associate Sue Johnston and Director Sefton Collett.
David said: "Working on this transaction with SEC has allowed us to, once again, establish ourselves as one of the leading firms in the AIM market and further enhance our international portfolio. We are delighted to have advised SEC on its admission to AIM, which will allow greater access to capital to fund their future activities and raise their profile and reputation within the industry."
SEC S.p.A. is a holding company and head office for a public relations and advocacy business, headquartered in Milan with operations across Western Europe. The business was originally founded in 1989 and has subsequently grown both organically and by acquisition, with revenue for 2015 at over €21 million.
Although its main country of operation is Italy, in recent years the Group has acquired majority stakes in companies in Belgium, Spain and Germany, leaving existing management incentivised with minority shareholdings.
Fiorenzo Tagliabue, President and founder of SEC, commented: "The listing will give us precious resources to provide additional drive and enthusiasm, with a particular and strategic attention to the opportunities offered by the digital field. Through listing we want to transform SEC from the company it is today into a public company, with an increasingly significant stake in those who cooperate with us in Italy and abroad."
Gowling WLG consistently features at the top of ARL's AIM Advisers Rankings Guide, and is recognised for its leading position in the AIM market, acting for nominated advisers (nomads) and AIM companies alike. The firm recently launched "Make way for the middle: the future shape of the UK economy" - a comprehensive study forecasting and comparing the growth trajectory of the trade of the UK's small, medium and large businesses.