Cardiff headquartered independent marketing and communications agency Golley Slater has become employee-owned.
The business, which also has offices in Leeds, Cirencester and London, has been acquired via an employee ownership trust (EOT) on behalf of its 130 employees.
The value of the deal for the £22m turnover business, which was established in 1957 by the late Alastair Golley, has not been disclosed.
Previous shareholders included Mr Golley's son, Jo, who held a significant stake, alongside a number of private shareholders including the company directors.
The agency’s client portfolio includes major brands such as Bosch, Coca-Cola, Procter & Gamble and Transport for Wales. It also handles large scale campaigns for public sector organisations including Welsh Government and Public Health Wales.
Its chief executive David Longden, said “This marks a major milestone in our journey - one that secures and adds real meaning to our independence, further engages and rewards our people. This decision protects the culture, values, and long-term future of Golley Slater. The reaction from our employees and clients has been brilliant, and we’re excited about what this means for our future.
“Our clients can expect the same high-quality service, innovation and strategic thinking, now delivered by an even more empowered and invested team.”
Golley Slater were advised on the deal by Moore Kingston Smith. Partner with the firm and head of media, Esther Carder, said, “We’re delighted to have advised on Golley Group EOT. As a leading, award-winning advertising and media agency, and one of the few IPA Effectiveness Accredited agencies in the Ƶ, Golley Group’s dedication to its 130 specialists and its long-standing legacy is truly impressive.
"Success in the media sector is driven by talent, commitment to client goals, passion and performance. This EOT transition builds upon the Golley Group’s journey which began over 60 years ago.
"The EOT will preserve the company’s culture, ensure business continuity and spread ownership, which is expected to positively impact performance. We wish the entire team every success in this new chapter.”
Golley were also advised on the ownership transition by Cwmpas, the Welsh Government backed body that supports the employee-ownership model.
Paul Cantrill, a specialist employee ownership consultant at Cwmpas, said: “Cwmpas is delighted to assist Golley Slater in its move to employee ownership. The approach adopted is an excellent fit to the group’s development strategy going forward and the new ownership structure, with its focus on consolidating employee involvement, will ensure high employee buy-in for the future.”
Employee-ownership trust ownership deals are capital gains tax exempt.
HR business partner with Golley Slater Catherine Walter been appointed a director of the EOT. She said “Becoming an employee owned business will be transformative - not just for our culture, but for our people.
“Employees gain a genuine stake in the company, which we hope will foster deeper engagement, stronger commitment, and a shared sense of purpose. We hope it will bring further job satisfaction, skills development and long- term security making us an even better place to work. It’s something we are really excited to be a part of.”
