Integration to deliver operational efficiencies and enhanced benefits for clients and staff of both entities
IPH Limited (ASX:IPH), the leading intellectual property (IP) services group in the Asia-Pacific region, today announced that two of its member firms, Shelston IP and Spruson & Ferguson Australia, will combine to create one firm operating under the Spruson & Ferguson brand. The integration will see Spruson & Ferguson further extend its position as a leading IP firm in Australia.
The new firm will be led by David Kennedy who recently joined Spruson & Ferguson as Managing Director. David is a qualified UK and European patent attorney who has led and established IP businesses, working across Europe, North America and Australia. He was most recently Managing Director, Australia and New Zealand of CPA Global, a global leader in IP software and tech-enabled services.
IPH Managing Director and CEO, Dr Andrew Blattman said the integration will result in enhanced operational efficiencies and provide further benefits for the individual firms' clients and people as part of a larger entity.
"Spruson & Ferguson and Shelston IP are both leading IP services firm in Australia and are complementary in terms of their experienced teams, strong heritage, service offering and quality client mix.
"As a result of the integration, clients of both firms will have access to a larger, complementary team of IP professionals, and easy access into the Asia-Pacific region through the leading IPH network and the Spruson & Ferguson team on the ground in Asia.
"Employees will also have access to enhanced career development opportunities as part of a broader team of IP experts.
"IPH has a strong track record of successfully integrating businesses which equips us well to deliver a seamless transition and to realise improved financial returns for the business," Dr Blattman said.
The financial impact of the integration on FY22 will be assessed through the project and an update will be provided at IPH's AGM in November 2021.
Shelston IP and Spruson & Ferguson will begin operating under the Spruson & Ferguson brand from 1 November 2021 at which time the Shelston IP brand will be retired. It is expected that full systems integration will occur in December 2021.
There is no impact on other IPH member firms.