Ashtons Legal advise on acquisition of Apprentice winner’s business, Climb Online

Ashtons Legal has recently advised global digital agency group xDNA Group Limited on its acquisition of Climb Online Limited.

Climb Online was founded in 2015 by the BBC Apprentice winner Mark Wright and backed by Lord Sugar. The purchase can be seen as a major milestone as it becomes the first business to exit successfully following the show’s conception.

xDNA was originally founded in Manila in 2019. Following the acquisition of Climb Online, xDNA now has over 140 people globally and is one of the largest full-service digital marketing and software agencies.

The Ashtons Legal team was led by Senior Associate Mark Watson, with support from other members of the firm’s Corporate and Employment Law teams.

Mark Chambers from xDNA Group Limited said: “Having worked on around 20 acquisitions in the past, I have to say that this was one of the fastest, smoothest and most enjoyable I have experienced. A lot of that is testament to Mark and the team at Ashtons Legal for being professional in their advice, flexible when needed and always ahead of situations as they arose. A real pleasure to work with.”

Mark Watson added: “I have known Mark Chambers, Iain Needham and Richard Mavers at xDNA for some time and it has truly been a pleasure to advise them on this transaction. Climb Online seems like a very natural fit into what xDNA is doing I am sure will see them go from strength to strength. I wish them and the business every success in the future.”

Ashtons’ Business Client Group makes up a third of the whole firm and is a big growth area for Ashtons Legal.

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