Processing timeline
4
days
Filed
7 Aug 2026
Decision Due
18 Sept 2026
Est decision date: 10 Sept 2026. Based on 60 decided Professional & Business Services notifications.
Acquirer(s)
The Independents Creative Collective UK Ltd. Identifying number - 04243407, The Independents Group Inc. Identifying number - 3414791
Target(s) or Vendor(s)
Smuggler Experience LLC (including shell subsidiary Lux a Deo LLC) Identifying number - 202462414150, Sidepiece LLC Identifying number - 5134914, Division 7 LLC Identifying number - 7088711, Smuggler LLC Identifying number - 6877804, Smuggler London Ltd Identifying number - 06806477
Other parties
ELOCGA Identifying number - B209477, K10 Holding SA Identifying number - B214433, LOV Group Invest Identifying number - 494 031 008, TowerBrook Capital Partners L.P. Identifying number - 3922576
The Independents Group, an international marketing communications services group, proposes a 70% share acquisition of five Smuggler Group entities. Smuggler is an international studio, marketing and production group producing audiovisual content, including Australian commercials. A discretionary option for the remaining 30% is exercisable in 2030.
The Independents Group, including the Independents Group Inc and The Independents Creative Collective UK Ltd (together, TIG ), proposes to acquire 70% of the shares of five entities: Smuggler LLC, Division 7 LLC, Sidepiece LLC, Smuggler London Ltd and Smuggler Experience LLC (together, the Smuggler Entities ) which form part of an international studio, marketing and production group (the Smuggler Group ). As part of the acquisition, TIG (or one of its related entities) will also acquire a discretionary option to purchase the remaining 30% of shares in the Smuggler Entities, exercisable in 2030 (the Acquisition ). TIG is an international marketing communications services group mainly active in advertising, marketing, and communication activities. Globally, the Smuggler Group is active in the production of audiovisual content. In Australia, Smuggler LLC produces audiovisual content for commercials and branded content.
The ACCC has prepared a questionnaire on the Acquisition. Submissions or information in response to the questionnaire should be provided by 17 August 2026 via email to mergers@accc.gov.au with the title Submission re: The Independents Group – acquisition of entities within the Smuggler Group.