Headland buys Shearwater to plant a flag in Brussels

What's the deal? Reputation and communications consultancy HeadlandDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → has acquired ShearwaterDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →, a Brussels and London-based political and regulatory advisory firm, for an undisclosed sum. The deal, announced September 21, 2026, gives Headland its first Brussels presence and a 27-strong team of EU public affairs specialists.

What each firm does: Headland advises on corporate and financial communications, public affairs, and reputation. Founded in 2020, Shearwater advises blue-chip clients across the UK, EU, US, and international markets, with strengths in global trade, competition and M&A, technology and AI, and environmental policy.

Why now? Clients increasingly want advice that links political, regulatory, and reputational risk across borders. "Brussels is an essential market for many of our clients," said Headland chief executive officer Dan Mines.

The expansion: The acquisition establishes Headland in Brussels, complementing its London base. Shearwater keeps its brand and management team, led by its founding partners, while gaining a platform for further international growth.

What's the endgame? This is Headland's second acquisition in two years, following its 2025 purchase of digital consultancy BladonmoreDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →. Together, the three businesses total more than 270 people across London, Brussels, New York, and Madrid.

The signal: Advisory firms are consolidating to sell integrated services as geopolitical volatility grows. Backed by private equity investor LDCDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → since 2021, Headland is assembling a cross-border advisory group that spans politics, regulation, and reputation in a single offer.

Read more: headlandconsultancy.com

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