Zesty future for UTV Media

March 6, 2012

UTV Media has added another company to its portfolio with Simply Zesty, the market leading social media agency in the Republic of Ireland.

Simply Zesty was set up in 2009 and employs 22 staff at its Dublin offices and specialises in providing social media marketing services to assist businesses in creating innovative social media campaigns. With a blue chip client base of more than 100 companies, including Sony, Volkswagen Group and ebookers,com, Simply Zesty is also steadily building its international presence, which now represents more than 15% of revenues and is growing strongly.

“We at Simply Zesty are delighted to be part of the UTV Media Group. Simply Zesty has grown strongly as a social media marketing agency since its foundation, thanks to our great staff and clients both Irish and International. As part of UTV, we hope to develop our existing brand and business model at an accelerated pace.” Said Ken Fitzpatrick, CEO of Simply Zesty.

UTV Media have acquired the company for an initial consideration of £1.7million up to a deferred final consideration of approximately £5million, depending upon future trading performance.

John McCann, Group Chief Executive, UTV Media plc said of the move, “The acquisition of Simply Zesty is part of our strategy to create a diversified multi-media business,” adding, “Simply Zesty is a very successful Irish business with an international presence in the fast-growing social media sector. This acquisition strengthens our existing New Media division and adds further impetus to our multi-media strategy.

“The social media presence of UTV Media’s radio and television stations in the UK and Ireland will also be enhanced by the acquisition of Simply Zesty, facilitating far greater integration of media across online and broadcast platforms.” While Nigel Robbins, Group Commercial Director, UTV Media plc continues, “Simply Zesty’s well-proven social media expertise will ensure that advertising clients across UTV, whose campaigns require the most effective multiplatform spread, will continue to be extremely well served.”

UTV Media owns a number of UK publishing, online, television and radio companies including the ITV Northern Ireland franchise and TalkSport Radio.

Pictured top: Lauren Fisher, Founder, Simply Zesty; John McCann, Group CEO, UTV Media plc; Niall Harbison, Founder, Simply Zesty; Nigel Robbins, Commercial Director – Ireland, UTV Media and Ken Fitzpatrick, CEO, Simply Zesty.