News

Brandscreen administrators seek quick sale

BrandscreenThe administrators looking after Brandscreen say it is still trading in Australia and Singapore, but is looking for a buyer for the media trading company.

Confirming the business went into voluntary administration on December 31, as revealed by Mumbrella on Friday, administrators Sule Arnautovic and Roderick Mackay said they are “implementing restructuring initiatives” around the business.

It is understood the administration occurred as the owners looked to complete a trade sale last year, but “the bridging finance did not complete”.

Arnautovic, managing partner of Jirsch Sutherland said in a statement: “It is very unfortunate that a long standing and well regarded business, established in 2006, has been placed into administration. We are of the opinion that Brandscreen’s position in the Asia-Pacific programmatic space is a valuable asset and we are engaging now with all parties who may be interested to incorporate the numerous assets of Brandscreen into their business.

“We appreciate the support already offered by many customers and partners of Brandscreen, and we will endeavour to work to a positive outcome.”

It is though other automated bidding platform operators including Nexus and Turn have been notified about the sale, which will include all intellectual property and contacts for the company.

While the reason for the company’s administration has not been officially revealed industry speculation has suggested a falling out between founders Julian Toll and partner Seth Yates, who despite last week listing on LinkedIn he had left the company, has been “retained” alongside the management team to assist with the sale.

The statement in full:

Messrs. Sule Arnautovic and Roderick Mackay Sutherland of Jirsch Sutherland were appointed as Voluntary Administrators of Brandscreen Pty Ltd on 31 December 2013.

The Administrators are undertaking a review of the operations of the business and are implementing restructuring initiatives designed to improve productivity and strengthen the company’s Commercial operations. While this review is undertaken, the business in Singapore and Australia remain open and are trading.

“It is very unfortunate that a long standing and Well regarded business, established in 2006, has been placed into administration. We are of the opinion that Brandscreen’s position in the Asia-Pacific programmatic space as a valuable asset and We are engaging now with all parties who may be interested to incorporate the numerous assets of Brandscreen into their business. We appreciate the support already offered by many customers and partners of Brandscreen, and we will endeavour to Work to a positive outcome.” Sule Arnautovic, Managing Partner of Birsch Sutherland said.

Accordingly, the Administrators are seeking expressions of interest in respect to the purchase of the business and associated Intellectual Property.

Brandscreen’s Media Trading Platform provides a fast and effective Demand Side Platform system, delivering control over Online advertising campaigns, a World-class infrastructure, and sophisticated algorithms that provide unmatched optimization and intelligence.

The business operates as a part of a group structure with operations based in Australia, Singapore and has some infrastructure China. The business has developed some significant concepts to substantially grow and expand the business internationally. Any potential buyer would be able to expand on these concepts.

The business has a well-established staff structure and management team. AIE staff have unique skills, knowledge and experience.

The business provides services to a number of high profile clients located throughout the Asia Pacific region.

Assets for sale include all Intellectual Property, client contacts, receivables, computer and office equipment, and all other assets required to operate the business.

Update 14/1/13

Administrators Jirsch Sutherland have sent through the following statement on the reason for the administration, ad confirmed there have been “some redundancies” among the 47 staff employed across the companies offices:

“The Company had been in a process to review the strategic options, ranging from a trade sale to a strategic investor round. While there was significant interest in the business, the Directors felt the best option to move forward was a voluntary and deliberate process to realise value, under administration, hence protecting all parties. I note that the business is still operational and campaigns are still running as per normal.”

They added there has been “significant” interest from local and international businesses in acquiring the company.

Alex Hayes

ADVERTISEMENT

Get the latest media and marketing industry news (and views) direct to your inbox.

Sign up to the free Mumbrella newsletter now.

 

SUBSCRIBE

Sign up to our free daily update to get the latest in media and marketing.