Velstar, a notable UK ecommerce entity, has strategically acquired Yatter to enhance its marketing portfolio.
- The acquisition marks a continuation of Velstar’s aggressive expansion strategy, following previous purchases.
- Founded in 2016, Velstar has seen exponential growth, with revenues expected to exceed £10M by end of 2024.
- Yatter’s expertise in PPC and social media advertising is set to strengthen Velstar’s client offerings.
- Led by CEO Peter Birks, Velstar aims to bolster its team and market capabilities significantly.
Velstar, a prominent player in the ecommerce sector, has recently acquired the Scottish PPC and social agency, Yatter. This move aligns with Velstar’s ongoing expansion strategy, underscoring its ambition to solidify its position in the market. Velstar, founded in 2016, had already set high targets for growth, and the acquisition of Yatter is another step towards achieving them. The company is projected to surpass a £10M turnover by the end of 2024, reflecting a 250% increase since 2022.
Yatter, under the leadership of founder Gavin Bell, has developed a robust reputation in the field of paid advertising, serving over 60 clients, including notable names like Loch Lomond Group and Countrywide. Yatter’s comprehensive services range from strategy development to creative execution, which will be integrated into Velstar’s operations. This acquisition not only increases Velstar’s client service capabilities but also boosts its employee strength to over 150 focused professionals.
Peter Birks, Velstar’s CEO, stated, “This is a positive move for the Velstar group as we continue to expand our services and grow our team and expertise.” He also expressed confidence in the strategic plans for 2025, indicating promising prospects for both customers and employees.
From Yatter’s perspective, founder Gavin Bell highlighted Velstar’s shared vision of becoming the UK’s leading independent agency as a key motivation for the acquisition. Bell noted the rewarding experience of building Yatter with business partner Dave McCall and conveyed excitement about merging Yatter’s strengths with Velstar’s burgeoning capabilities.
The acquisition was facilitated by Cactus, a renowned global M&A advisory firm, which guided Yatter’s shareholders towards a compatible partnership aiming for sustainable growth. This marks Velstar’s latest acquisition following the recent assimilation of Leeds-based 9XB, Surrey’s WeTeachCRO, and Chester’s We Influence.
These strategic acquisitions bolster Velstar’s end-to-end commerce support, benefiting major brands such as Tangle Teezer, NEOM, and Avon, among others. Velstar, as a Shopify Plus Partner, continues to integrate and enhance its services, aiming to offer comprehensive solutions within the ecommerce landscape.
Velstar’s calculated acquisitions exemplify its commitment to expanding capabilities and securing a leading position in the ecommerce industry.
