Public Affairs: Interel looks ahead after staff buyout

Around 22 staff have acquired the comms group from its AIM-listed parent Hasgrove. In London, George McGregor will continue as UK MD and will join the group executive committee as a participant of the buyout.

CEO Fredrik Lofthagen said: 'This is without a doubt the most important milestone in the company's history since its inception 28 years ago. The MBO will drive us into the next phase of growth. It represents not only our faith in the company but also our confidence in the market and the potential for a company like ours to do great things.'

Interel has offices in Brussels, Berlin, London, Paris and Prague. Its UK lobbying arm changed its name from Politics International to Interel Consulting in 2010. UK clients listed on the latest APPC register include the Coca-Cola Company, McAfee International, Rio Tinto Minerals and SAB Miller.

The new board will be led by Lofthagen and non-executive chairman Emmanuel van Innis. The board is underpinned by Interel's leadership team, consisting of 20 senior and junior managers, who together make up the majority of the company's share capital.

Lofthagen added: 'We have a deep-seated conviction that owner-managed businesses do better than those that are part of larger holding structures.'