HPS Group and Jardine International Join Forces

Marketing communications company HPS Group has acquired UK-based sports and automotive PR, events and sponsorship agency Jardine International. The acquisition takes the turnover of the 120-strong business to £10.6m while expanding the offering of both companies.

Jardine International, founded almost 30 years ago by Sky News Formula One pundit Tony Jardine, becomes a subsidiary of HPS Group called HPS Jardine and moves from Twickenham to the group’s Marlow headquarters. Rupert Williamson, former head of marketing and communications for Yamaha’s MotoGP team and a senior member of the Jardine team for the past four years, takes over as managing director of HPS Jardine. Tony Jardine becomes chairman of the company, while Dan Leach and Glen Gibson are promoted to Associate Directors.

HPS Jardine boasts a client roster that includes Silverstone circuit, Japanese tyre company Bridgestone, Sony Computer Entertainment (UK and Europe), Nissan Motor GB, Nissan Europe, Motor Sport magazine, and Indian multinational Mahindra Group.

The company manages communications for BMW Motorrad UK and BMW Classic, while BMW Group also counts among HPS Group’s largest clients. HPS creates a variety of campaigns – online, digital, social and traditional – for a broad client base that also includes MINI, Mazda, BMI Healthcare, BP, L’Oreal, Microsoft, and Ricoh. 

“This is a very positive move for the HPS Group,” commented HPS CEO Mark Cornwell. “With two successful acquisitions completed in 2011, we are confident that we shall have a smooth transition and expand our offering and value to clients. HPS Jardine already has fantastic clients and we are confident that we are investing in a company that has real scope for growth under our umbrella.” 

Tony Jardine said: “This is a great opportunity to take the company to a new level. We consistently deliver for some of the biggest brands in the world, and I feel that with the additional resource and expertise that the HPS Group offers we are well placed to grow. I shall remain very involved in the company, but am looking forward to letting the team drive the business within this new environment.”

Rupert Williamson added: “Becoming part of the HPS Group is an exciting change that will enhance our offering in a number of areas. The past few years have seen us successfully integrate digital and social media into many of our campaigns, and HPS will help develop this area of our business even further.”