Flint Global announces partnership with Cinven

Flint Global, the strategic advisory firm supporting businesses and investors on policy, regulatory and competition issues, today announced it has reached an agreement with Cinven, a leading private equity firm, to invest in the company.

The transaction, which will be completed by year’s end, will see Cinven become Flint Global's new private equity partner. Cinven will acquire from investors GCP, who made a minority investment in the company in 2021, alongside the partner group. The co-founders and partner group of Flint will remain significant investors in the business. Financial details of the transaction were not disclosed.

Founded in London in 2015 by Ed Richards and Sir Simon Fraser, Flint has delivered significant growth over the past decade. After opening its first international office in Brussels in 2016, led by Gregor Kreuzhuber, Flint quickly expanded internationally and broadened its service offering. Today, Flint operates from London, Brussels, Paris, Berlin, Amsterdam, Hong Kong and Singapore, enabling it to support clients facing intensifying geopolitical risk and increasingly complex global regulation.

Since the Growth Capital Partners minority investment four years ago, Flint Global has more than doubled its global headcount to over 170 people and expanded its global presence to 7 offices worldwide.

Cinven’s investment will provide a significant opportunity for the continued growth of Flint Global’s operations through organic investment and targeted acquisitions across its core services and geographies.

Commenting on the investment, Flint’s CEO James Purnell said “We are thrilled to be partnering with Cinven at this pivotal moment in Flint’s journey. Their backing will enable us to build on our strengths, invest in our people, and offer our services in more markets. Together, we are ideally positioned to provide great service for our clients and even better opportunities for our colleagues”

Anthony Cardona, Partner at Cinven, commented, “We are delighted to be investing in Flint and to work with the founders and the partner group to drive the firm’s next phase of growth. Flint’s technical expertise, high-quality client base, and exceptional people provide a strong base for the future. We look forward to working with the team to internationalise the business further and accelerate the firm’s growth, including by extending its practice areas, supporting M&A, and enhancing the proposition for institutional investors.

“During our successful partnership, Flint Global has organically doubled its EBITDA” added Garett Curran, GCP’s managing partner. “Since our initial investment in 2021, Flint Global has expanded its geographic footprint to new markets in Europe and Asia, broadening its service offerings and continuing to build the brand – this has been a remarkable journey.”

Ed Richards & Sir Simon Fraser, Co-Founders of Flint, concluded: “We founded Flint to help clients navigate an increasingly complex policy, regulatory, and economic environment. We are very proud of the company’s achievements over our first ten years. We thank our clients and colleagues - and GCP, our first investor - for their support. Cinven’s investment recognises that success and will accelerate Flint's next phase of growth under James’ leadership.”

Flint Global's shareholders were advised on the transaction by Alantra (M&A), Pinsent Masons (Legal) and Liberty Corporate Finance (Management advisory).

About Flint Global

Flint is a leading global consultancy helping businesses and investors navigate the intersections of policy, regulation, competition and politics across European and global markets. Founded in 2015, we are known for solving complex challenges where government and commercial interests meet.

We advise major corporates, financial institutions, and investors in Europe and Asia-Pacific. Our expertise spans across many sectors, including digital technology, telecommunications, media, financial services, life sciences, manufacturing, retail, transport, and energy.

Flint has offices in London, Brussels, Paris, Berlin, Amsterdam, Hong Kong and Singapore, supported by a global network of senior advisors.

We are committed to delivering exceptional consultancy services, providing strategic insights and solutions that help clients succeed in a rapidly evolving policy and regulatory landscape.