The Direct Marketing Group (TDMG), formerly Millennium Group is understood to have completed the acquisition of The JDA Group following a six month merger process, resulting in the departure of Carl Hopkins.
The Leeds-headquarted group, which specialises in mature marketing, is thought to have bought out JDA’s majority shareholder and chairman Carl Hopkins last week. Hopkins’ exit leaves managing director Mike Ashton at the helm.
Earlier this year, TDMG acquired Cheltenham-based agency DMS while group managing director Martin Smith has since announced the firm’s ambition to acquire other businesses. The group has in excess of 180 people and counts the likes of Age Concern, Banner Homes, Kelloggs, Cresta and Norwich Union among its clients.
Hopkins joined JDA in 1984 as office junior and rose through the company. In 2000, he bought the business and has overseen the launch of the agency’s north west office. Two years ago, he handed over the day-to-day running of the company to a management team, led by Ashton, who are expected to continue in their roles.
Hopkins is thought to be taking time out to consider his next move.
Hopkins, Ashton and Smith were all unavailable at the time of going to press.