ECI invests in ATG Media

ECI Partners has invested in ATG Media (‘ATG’), a global pioneer of webcast and timed online auction platforms. ECI will partner with ATG’s management and existing investor Mobeus Equity Partners (‘Mobeus’) to help drive the company’s ongoing international expansion.

ATG operates the-saleroom.com, i-bidder.com, BidSpotter.co.uk and BidSpotter.com as well as publishing the antiques industry bible, Antiques Trade Gazette.

ATG’s platforms allow bidders from around the world to browse fully illustrated sale catalogues and place bids over the internet in real time, with live audio and video feeds delivering the auction room atmosphere. Bidders are also able to participate in timed, online only auctions.

ATG’s growth has been driven by the continued shift of bidders online and ATG’s ability to provide auctioneers with a larger bidder base.

The sites have exceptional brand recognition – 80% of visitors to ATG’s websites visit because they know the brand or they find the brand via organic search.

“We are delighted to be partnering with ATG Media as the company transitions into its next growth phase. As a growth focused investor we were attracted to ATG by its market leading technology and strong brand recognition, attributes that have driven its market penetration. “We look forward to working with Anne’s team and Mobeus to help drive ATG’s continued expansion in the UK and internationally.”

Tom Wrenn

Partner and head of TMT at ECI

“We are very pleased to be working with ECI Partners. They have a strong track record partnering with fast-growing, innovative companies in the e-commerce, technology space. “ATG is poised for further expansion. Having successfully acquired BidSpotter in April 2013 we are now looking to grow further. ECI’s experience in the online retail sector, particularly their successful partnerships with Laterooms.com and CarTrawler, will be instrumental in driving our expansion into new markets and investment in new technology.”

Anne Somers

CEO of ATG Media

About ATG Media
ATG’s websites allow bidders from around the world to browse fully illustrated sale catalogues and place bids over the internet in real time with live audio and video feeds delivering the auction room atmosphere. Bidders are also able to participate in timed, online only auctions.

The sites have exceptional brand recognition – 80% of visitors to ATG’s websites visit because they know the brand or they find the brand via organic search. A team of 50 highly trained specialists in London and Seattle offices provide world class 24/7 customer support.

BidSpotter
BidSpotter.com and BidSpotter.co.uk are the world leaders in industrial online auctions

i-bidder.com
The website for construction and farm equipment, retail returns and commercial auctions.

the-saleroom.com
Europe’s leading website for fine art and antiques auctions providing a complete range of online services for buyers and sellers.

White label products
ATG’s award winning technology powers lot-tissimo.com (Germany’s foremost fine art and antiques auction portal) and Spink Live (the world’s oldest auctioneer and antique dealer).

Advisors on the deal:
Blake Lapthorn – legal advice to Mobeus and ATG Media
Deloitte – financial due diligence for ECI
First Capital – corporate finance advice to Mobeus and ATG Media
Hambalt – vendor commercial due diligence
Liberty Corporate Finance – corporate finance advice to ECI
PricewaterhouseCoopers – commercial due diligence to ECI
Squire Sanders – legal advice to ECI
Ernst & Young – tax advice

ECI invests in ATG Media

A record period of investments for ECI in Q4