Liverpool digital marketing agency Velstar announces third acquisition of 2024, taking over Scottish outfit Yatter taking employee numbers past 150. Tony McDonough reports

Liverpool digital marketing agency Velstar has moved closer to breaking through the £10m-turnover barrier with its latest acquisition – its third of the year.

Velstar has bought Edinburgh-based advertising and social agency Yatter for an undisclosed sum. Matter’s most recent accounts, for the 12 months to December 31, 2023, showed net assets of just over £240,000.

At the end of May Velstar acquired 9xb, a Leeds-based B2B ecommerce agency. The value of that transaction was also not disclosed.

It saw Velstar employee numbers rise from more than 60 to around 120. It also bought WeTeachCRO in March 2024. This latest deal takes headcount above 150.

Founded in 2016, Velstar specialises in designing, building and optimising Shopify Plus stores for online retailers, as well as providing a range of digital marketing services. This year it forecasts an increase in turnover from £6m to £10m.

Peter Birks, who took on the chief executive role at Velstar in July, said: “This is a positive move for the Velstar group as we continue to expand our services and grow our team and expertise.

“With our building strategic plans for 2025, I am confident there are exciting and rewarding times ahead for our customers and colleagues.”

Founded by Gavin Bell, Latter specialises in paid advertising, including PPC and social, with a portfolio of 60-plus clients including Loch Lomond Group and Countrywide.

Offering an all-round service from strategy building to copywriting and creative services, this acquisition will bolster Velstar’s current marketing capabilities.

“Velstar’s impressive growth and shared vision to be the UK’s number one independent agency made them the perfect partner for Yatter’s next chapter,” added Gavin.

“Building Yatter alongside my business partner, Dave McCall, has been a rewarding journey, and I’m thrilled to see our team’s expertise in paid advertising join Velstar’s growing capabilities across the likes of Shopify.

“I look forward to working closely with Velstar over the coming year to ensure a seamless integration that enhances our client offering and drives even greater results.”