InvestmentNews parent Bonhill Group to acquire Last Word Media

InvestmentNews parent Bonhill Group to acquire Last Word Media
The owner of Portfolio Advisor and Expert Investor provides live events, research, data and information to the global wealth and asset management industries.
MAR 25, 2019

Bonhill Group plc, InvestmentNews' parent company, plans to acquire Last Word Media, a business-to-business media company, for 8 million pounds ($10.6 million). Last Word provides live events, research, data and information to the global wealth and asset management industries. It currently operates seven investor-facing media brands, including Portfolio Advisor and Expert Investor. In 2018, these brands collectively hosted 86 live events. Last Word also operates an additional three brands targeting asset managers with event services, content marketing and research data products. The company is owned by Rod Boulogne, Jamie Hinchliffe and Dylan Emery, who founded Last Word in 2005, and Tom Porter, who co-founded Last Word's Asian operation. There are 71 employees working in Last Word's London headquarters, along with another eight in Hong Kong and three in Singapore. The acquisition will help expand Bonhill's geographical footprint in the United Kingdom, Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asian markets. Bonhill also plans to leverage the InvestmentNews platform to bring Last Word's products to the U.S. "Bringing our two businesses together will enable Bonhill to provide a truly global sales and marketing proposition to the international asset management community, and provides the opportunity to leverage InvestmentNews' presence and platform to expand Last Word's existing propositions," Simon Stilwell, Bonhill's CEO, said in a statement. "We are all very happy about the synergies InvestmentNews has with Last Word, and look forward to collaborating with them after the deal is approved," said Suzanne Siracuse, CEO and publisher of InvestmentNews. Bonhill will pay 6 million pounds ($7.9 million) in cash for Last Word. The remainder will be paid in Bonhill stock. To finance the initial cash consideration, Bonhill will raise 10 million pounds ($13.2 million) in equity funding. The acquisition is subject to approval of Bonhill's shareholders, which is expected to be finalized April 9.

Latest News

'Bogged down' advisors just want to have fun (again)
'Bogged down' advisors just want to have fun (again)

Jim Cahn, of Wealth Enhancement Group, lifts the lid on his firm's partnership model, his views on RIA M&A, and the widely slept-on reason why advisors are merging into larger organizations.

Vestwell unveils new emergency savings account offering
Vestwell unveils new emergency savings account offering

The fintech firm is cementing its status in the workplace savings space with its latest ESA offering, which employers can integrate into their existing benefits package.

'Money Mimosas' and other ways to show your Valentine financial love
'Money Mimosas' and other ways to show your Valentine financial love

Wealth managers offer unique ideas for couples to grow closer emotionally and financially.

Limra research finds financial confidence on the rise among Black American workers
Limra research finds financial confidence on the rise among Black American workers

Survey findings suggest increased sense of financial security and more optimistic 2025 outlook, while highlighting employers' role in ensuring retirement readiness.

DOGE efforts sideswipe muni bonds backed by federal lease payments
DOGE efforts sideswipe muni bonds backed by federal lease payments

Falling prices for some securities within the $4 trillion state and local government debt market spotlight how the push to shrink spending is sending shockwaves across the US.

SPONSORED Record growth: Interval funds emerge as key players in alternative investments

Blue Vault Alts Summit highlights the role of liquidity-focused funds in reshaping advisor strategies

SPONSORED Taylor Matthews on what's behind Farther's rapid growth

From 'no clients' to reshaping wealth management, Farther blends tech and trust to deliver family-office experience at scale.