LBG MEDIA ACQUIRES SOCIAL-FIRST CREATIVE AGENCY UNCOVERED

LBG Media announces the acquisition of Uncovered, the award-winning social-first creative agency founded by Chris Cookson and Catherine Orr.

The acquisition marks a significant strategic step for LBG Media as it accelerates its growth strategy across the UK and U.S., while further strengthening its commercial capabilities across social content, branded IP and entertainment, creator marketing and creative services.

By combining LBG Media’s scale of half a billion followers, audience insight, leading youth brands and digital publishing expertise with Uncovered’s social-first creative approach, the combined business will be uniquely positioned to help brands build cultural relevance and connect with audiences through content designed for the modern media landscape.

Founded in 2017, Uncovered has built a reputation as one of the UK’s leading social-first agencies, working with a portfolio of retained clients including Tesco, KFC, Nationwide, Rightmove, Pladis and Clearscore. The agency specialises in strategy, creative development, production, creator partnerships and social media management, with a proven track record of delivering brand growth for its clients. 

Solly Solomou, CEO of LBG Media said:

“At LBG Media we’ve always believed the future belongs to businesses that understand audiences and culture. Chris, Catherine and the brilliant team at Uncovered have built one of the UK’s leading social-first agencies, and by combining their creative expertise with our audience insight, digital publishing capabilities and global reach, we’re creating an even stronger proposition for the world’s biggest brands looking to earn attention, build cultural relevance with youth audiences, and win in a social-first world.

This acquisition marks another important step in our strategy to build the world’s leading social entertainment business for young adults. We’re delighted to welcome the team to the LGB Media family and look forward to working together to unlock the opportunities ahead.”

Chris Cookson, Co-Founder of Uncovered, said:

“Since launching Uncovered, our mission has been to build the best social first creative agency in the world. Joining LBG Media allows us to accelerate that mission in the UK and U.S. with the backing of one of the world’s leading social entertainment companies and access to one of the most engaged social audiences on the planet. ” 

Catherine Orr, Co-Founder of Uncovered, added:

“We have built a people first a people-first business that helps brands navigate an increasingly social-first world, while working hard to establish a growing client portfolio in the UK and emerging one in the US. We see enormous opportunities ahead for our clients, people and partners as we combine our creative expertise with LBG Media’s scale, insight and cultural influence.” 

Uncovered will continue to operate as Uncovered, with its leadership team remaining in place. The agency’s clients will continue to receive the same strategic and creative services, while gaining access to expanded audience intelligence, media opportunities and content distribution capabilities across LBG Media’s platforms.

LBG Media has acquired 75% of Uncovered’s share capital. Founders Chris Cookson and Catherine Orr will continue to lead the business and retain a minority shareholding. Under the terms of the transaction, LBG Media and the founders have agreed put and call options in respect of the remaining 25% shareholding.