AN Edinburgh-based paid advertising agency has been acquired by ecommerce specialist Velstar just three years after formation.
Yatter has enjoyed consistent growth since starting out in 2021, currently managing over £10m in annual client ad spend.
Yatter has a portfolio of 60-plus clients including Loch Lomond Group and Countrywide and employs 12 people in the capital.
Job security for current employees are a plus of the agreement, which sees Yatter become the only Shopify Plus partner agency in Scotland.
Yatter founder and CEO Gavin Bell, said: “We have a very close alignment on values and culture and Velstar’s impressive growth and shared vision to be the UK’s No. 1 independent agency made them the perfect partner for Yatter’s next chapter.
“It’s been a rewarding journey since setting up in 2021. We set out to be the best paid advertising agency in Scotland and believe that has been achieved.
“Velstar have emphasised they acquired us for a reason, we have the skills and people they need in their business.
“It’s thrilling to see our teams expertise join Velstar’s growing capabilities across the likes of Shopify, while the team will also benefit from wider career progression opportunities.
“Myself and business partner Dave McCall look forward to working closely with Velstar over the coming year to ensure a seamless integration that enhances our client offering and drives even greater results.”
Founded by Dan Sheard in 2016, the Liverpool-based Velstar group surpassed ambitions of reaching a £6m turnover by this year, and by the acquisition of Yatter, is on course to generate in excess of £10m of annual revenue in 2024 – an increase of 250% since 2022.
Velstar’s purchase of Yatter sees the firm establish a presence in Scotland for the first time, with the move following the acquisition of Leeds-based B2B agency 9XB in August 2024, Surrey agency WeTeachCRO in March 2024 and Chester-based marketing agency We Influence in October 2022.
Velstar CEO Peter Birks said: “This is a positive move for the Velstar group as we continue to expand our services and grow our team and expertise.
“With our building strategic plans for 2025, I am confident there are exciting and rewarding times ahead for our customers and colleagues.”
