Golley Slater has revealed plans to open a digital operation in Manchester, confirming it's in talks with three city centre agencies over a potential acquisition as well as holding talks with senior individuals about launching a start-up.

Since its own acquisition in 2003 by Chris Lovell, now the group's chief executive, Golley Slater has been involved in several major acquisitions, including Northern Profile, Green Cathedral, Push Digital, Talented and Mad Avenue. It currently has 11 UK regional offices, including a PR operation in Manchester.

For the group's digital plans, an acquisition would see Lovell looking for an agency with a good "cultural and strategic fit", while a start-up would see him seek out "good people who may be frustrated in their current role and want to start a business".

He also expects the new division to break even in its first year. He said: "We take away a lot of the pain of running a business because of our central back office functions,"

In a further digital development Golley Slater has appointed John Kinder (pictured) as the managing director of Golley Slater Digital.

Kinder, whose career highlights include being part of the the launch team at BTLooksmart Europe and having a spell with Overture (now part of Yahoo), arrives at Golley Slater from Pureprofile, an online market research and email marketing company, where he held the position of sales director.

Kinder is expected to be based at the firm's London HQ, working with clients such as Cadburys, TK Maxx, BMW, PC World and Centre Parcs.

Commenting on his appointment, Kinder said: "This is an exciting time to be leading Golley Slater Digital. The company is already well positioned within the marketplace, enabling our clients to differentiate themselves and create cut through in an increasingly complex and fragmented media landscape.

"It is my aim therefore to make Golley Slater Digital famous for delivering innovative and inspirational digital solutions that maximise our clients marketing investment and deliver a true ROI"

Lovell added: "John will continue to spend his time on the client focussed end of the business including the launch of Golley Slater's new social media proposition as well as continuing to grow its integrated search, media, interactive production and creative offerings."