Thinks Insight & Strategy, formerly known as BritainThinks, was founded in 2010 by Ben Shimshon (pictured right) and Viki Cooke (pictured centre) alongside Baroness Deborah Mattinson, who left the business in 2021.

Shimshon will continue to lead Thinks as chief executive, reporting to Michael Evans (pictured left), president and managing partner at two Avenir Global brands, Cherry and Madano.

Thinks will also remain as a distinct business within Avenir Global’s network, working with other agencies owned by the company including Axon, Cherry, Hanover and Madano.

Avenir Global employs close to 1,000 people across eight countries, with offices across Canada, the US, Europe and the Middle East. The acquisition of Thinks will support the group’s strategic and research capability.

Ben Shimshon said: “Joining Avenir Global is an exciting next step for Thinks Insight and Strategy. We share a belief in the power of evidence-based thinking and the importance of insight in shaping effective communications and policy.

“Being part of a global network of specialist agencies gives us new opportunities to grow our impact while staying true to what makes Thinks distinctive.”

Michael Evans added: “Thinks brings outstanding strategic and analytical capability to the Avenir Global network. Their ability to translate insight into clear, actionable strategy is exactly what clients need in an increasingly complex environment.

“This acquisition reflects our continued commitment to investing in specialist expertise that strengthens the value we deliver globally.”