Digital Marketing
•
2021 - 2024
•
Sell Side M&A Advisory

Ykone acquired a majority stake in MB New Media Agency

About the Transaction

Ykone, a globally leading influencer marketing group, acquired a majority stake in MB New Media Agency, an Italian firm specializing in influencer marketing and talent management, with strong connections to international talents and celebrities. 

At the time, Ykone was majority-owned by the French telecommunications giant TF1 Group. Through this acquisition, Ykone secured a prominent position in the Italian market, enhancing its capabilities in influencer marketing and digital PR.

GC Advisory supported MB New Media Agency in:

  • Preparing essential transaction documentation (e.g., Information Memorandum, Business Plan, etc.)
  • Identifying and engaging potential bidders for the deal
  • Managing a competitive multi-bidder process, ultimately leading to Ykone’s selection
  • Leading the execution phase, coordinating advisors, and managing interactions with counterparties
  • Closing and post-closing activities
Results
€
6
M+

Revenues

€
1
M+

EBITDA

1

Companies involved

Olivier Billon
Founder and CEO of YKONE

"The acquisition of MB New Media Agency marks an important step for YKONE and its international expansion. This merger with one of the most avant-garde and reputable agencies in Milan, the second capital of fashion, will allow us to better accompany brands in the implementation of their global communication strategies."

Deal team

Gerardo Cavaliere
Partner, Co-Founder​
Gerardo is Co-Founder of GC Advisory, where he focuses on M&A advisory transactions, both on the sell-side and buy-side. He has developed solid experience across several core sectors, including aerospace, software and ICT, industrial, and business services. Gerardo holds a degree in Business Administration and Corporate Finance from Bocconi University and, prior to founding GC Advisory, gained experience at leading international investment banks and professional firms, with a focus on debt restructuring, M&A deals, wealth management and family governance.
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Email
gerardo.cavaliere@gcadvisory.com
Francesco Parisi
Junior Partner
Francesco is a Junior Partner at GC Advisory, where he leads the execution of complex M&A and debt advisory transactions, supporting clients on both sell-side and buy-side processes. He has developed solid cross-sector experience, with specific expertise in Energy, Healthcare, and ICT, advising corporate clients and financial investors on extraordinary transactions. Francesco has been part of the team since the foundation of GC Advisory, contributing to the firm’s growth and building strong relationships with leading private equity funds. He holds a degree in Management from Bocconi University and a Master in Management with a focus on Corporate Finance from IE Business School in Madrid.
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Email
francesco.parisi@gcadvisory.com
Meet the team
About the Financial Partner

Recent transactions

2026
•
Sell Side M&A Advisory

acquired a majority stake

‍

Italia Eventi, an Italian agency specialised in the design and production of live brand experiences—corporate and consumer events, product launches, fashion-week activations and influencer-led formats—has agreed the sale of a majority stake to Ykone, the leading international influencer marketing group founded in Paris in 2008, controlled by Saudi-listed BinDawood Holding and present in more than 15 markets with c. 300 professionals.

‍

2025
•
Debt Advisory

provided a senior secured bond facility

Agren, an Italian agrisolar (agrivoltaic) project company sponsored by Di Carlo Holding (DCH), has completed a €132 million senior secured bond facility fully subscribed by Pollen Street Capital. The proceeds will finance the development of a 14-plant agrivoltaic portfolio located in Puglia and Campania, with an aggregate installed capacity of around 139 MW, supporting DCH’s build-out of the Agren platform in Italy’s fast-growing agrivoltaics segment

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