Moore Kingston Smith adds James Kesner to M&A partner team

Moore Kingston Smith has appointed James Kesner as a partner in its M&A practice.

James Kesner brings more than 20 years of experience to Moore Kingston Smith, an advisory, tax and audit firm with over 1,500 people and more than 120 partners.

His career began in industry as a Chief Financial and Operating Officer within an agency before moving into the world of mergers & acquisitions. His M&A track record spans dozens of transactions for founder owned and private equity backed-companies, with a focus on the marketing and digital agencies landscape.

Notable deals he has worked on include TLC taking investment from BD Capital, Sideshow’s (now Gain Group) investment from Waterland, and Ledger Bennett on its sale to Havas, as well as buy side advice on LDC’s investment in Croud and Livingbridge’s transaction with Brainlabs.

In his new role at Moore Kingston Smith, Kesner becomes part of the marketing and media team within the Corporate Finance group. This team has advised on over 90 transactions in the sector over the past five years.

“Moore Kingston Smith is exceptionally well positioned in the marketing and media services space, and there’s huge opportunity for us to help founders who are looking for the right partner to drive their next stage of growth. I’m excited to build on the fantastic work already happening here,” said Kesner on his move.

Matt Meadows, Managing Partner at Moore Kingston Smith said: “The appointment of James enhances our ability to provide the clarity and market insight agencies are looking for. His experience working with founder led businesses complements our team’s work, particularly our recent track record of high value transactions across the media and marketing services sector.”