NorthEdge invests in leading Life Sciences marketing specialist

Lower mid-market private equity firm NorthEdge has completed its investment into life sciences marketing agency, ramarketing, to support rapid service expansion and increased international presence.

North-East headquartered ramarketing employs more than 50 people globally with offices in Newcastle, Manchester and Boston, MA. The full-service marketing firm, which supports clients operating in the high-growth pharmaceutical and biotech markets, is regarded as one of the fastest-growing life sciences agencies in the world.

NorthEdge is backing Raman Sehgal, Founder and Global President, and Emma Banks, Managing Director, alongside ramarketing’s highly experienced team to deliver an exciting and ambitious growth plan.

Commenting on the deal, Raman said: “Finding the right partner for our next phase of growth was critical, and from the outset, NorthEdge had a strong understanding of our business, our industry, and our aims for the future, whilst mirroring our own values.

“We are evolving into the type of next-generation growth partner that our clients will need in the future. Data-driven, embedded in industry and truly global. That type of ambition requires the right partner, hence why I am really looking forward to growing the business in partnership with the NorthEdge team over the coming years.”

With NorthEdge’s support, ramarketing will continue to expand and support its international client base, building on its reputation as a leading provider of marketing services for companies in the life sciences sector. Its growth plan is underpinned by strong market fundamentals, with outsourced marketing spend in the life sciences market forecast to grow by c.12% CAGR through to 2024.

NorthEdge’s investment will help ramarketing further expand its footprint in the US, building upon its strong presence in Boston, MA. It will also support the business to expand the range of services it offers and continue investing in its people – adding to the existing team and providing opportunities for progression.

Emma Banks, Managing Director of ramarketing added: “It’s a hugely exciting time for the global life sciences industry, and we are perfectly positioned to grow our market offering in line with the demand. Our HQ in Newcastle is part of a fast-growing life sciences hub serving a global market, with 86% of North East pharmaceutical production exported internationally, while our US base in Boston sits in the epicenter of the global life sciences corridor, so we have all the horsepower we need to support our clients across the world.

“The support from NorthEdge will enable us to supercharge our creative, content and digital service offerings, while also investing in our diverse and talented team – providing genuine technical marketing expertise and deep sector knowledge, delivered the ramarketing way, across the life sciences industry.”

The investment was funded from NorthEdge’s £125m SME Fund I, and led by Ray Stenton, Liam May, Maninder Minhas and Sam Allen. Liam and Maninder will join the board on behalf of NorthEdge.

Liam May, Director at NorthEdge said: “Since first meeting Raman, Emma and the rest of the team, we have been hugely impressed by their passion for the business and the scale of their ambition. NorthEdge has a great track record of helping UK businesses flourish internationally and we’re looking forward to supporting ramarketing as it continues its international growth.”

“Healthcare continues to be a key area of focus for NorthEdge, with the investment in ramarketing representing our third deal in the sector in the last 18 months. We also recognise the North East is a great place for investment, evidenced by an increasing volume of start-ups and a number of initiatives designed to turbo charge growth in the area – with health and life sciences being identified as a key growth sector for the region. ramarketing is a great example of a quality business based in the region that is shaping a global market, and we are excited to be a part of its journey.”

NorthEdge was advised by PwC (corporate finance), Hill Dickinson (legal), GRAPH (commercial due diligence), BDO (financial and tax due diligence), PwC (tax structuring), Catalysis Advisory (organisational effectiveness), Lockton (insurance due diligence) and Mazars (cyber due diligence).

The management team at ramarketing was advised by Lincoln International (corporate finance), Weightmans (legal), Dyke Yaxley (financial and tax) and Deloitte (tax).