PR News From Porter Novelli, Allison + Partners & More
There are a lot of public relations firms around the world, and many do some pretty incredible work. For example, check out what the following five PR firms have been up to lately.
Worldcom Public Relations Group – On November 10, 2015, Worldcom Public Relations Group announced the addition of five new firms to the group establishing new capabilities in the U.S., Africa, Europe, and Latin America. The new Worldcom Public Relations Group partners include Beutler Ink in Washington, D.C., Intrepid in Salt Lake City, Utah, LatinMedia Comunicaciones in Santiago, Chile, Meropa Communications in South Africa, and Onva Consulting in Epson, Surrey, United Kingdom.
These new additions continue Worldcom Public Relations Group’s reputation and legacy as the world’s leading and top-ranked partnership of public relations firms, all independently owned.
Porter Novelli Atlanta – The top-ranked, Porter Novelli, Atlanta office recently recognized at the Future Foundation for its engagement in a Day of Giving for beginning plans for redesigning the learning environment at the facility. The Future Foundation, founded by the former NBA player, Shareef Abdur-Rahim, serves over 10,000 youth in the community surrounding the metro Atlanta area. The mission behind the Future Foundation provides life skills, education, and health information promoting healthy growth in the youth it serves.
Porter Novelli Atlanta brought on in August helps increase visibility and support for the program. The firm also got involved with enhancing and refreshing the learning spaces the youth use on a daily basis. By teaming up with the Future Foundation, Porter Novelli Atlanta makes a positive impact on the community.
French/West/Vaughan – Thanks to FWV’s connection with the author of “Not Without Hope,” Nick Schuyler, the firm meets lately with a number of Hollywood Studios to finance the production of a film based on Mr. Schuyler’s 2010 best seller. Rick French, the founder, and CEO of FWV brokered the book deal with Mr. Schuyler and also serves as the film’s executive producer. He’s known for being a great negotiator, and all signs point toward a deal falling into place shortly so production can begin soon!
Freud’s – One of the most successful UK PR agencies, Freud’s, wants to branch out to the global PR stage. Despite having numerous international clients, the agency has not expanded globally thus far. Matthew Freud, the founder of Freud’s, wants to change all of that. In recent interviews he confessed his agency looks for ways to expand outside of its only office in London. To make his dream a reality, Mr. Freud engages with numerous businesses getting a glimpse of what a partnership, acquisition, or collaboration may look like down the road.
But expansion costs money. Fortunately for Mr. Freud, he has about £25m in cash in his firm’s accounts. However, according to Keith Hunter, a managing partner at the business consultancy, ResultsIG, Freud’s could spend more if they borrowed money. According to Mr. Hunter, “£25m is a significant war chest for an independent agency. It would buy them one medium-sized agency of between 50 and 100 people. But it could also borrow to finance expansion. Borrowing would be determined by profitability. Generally you can borrow two or three times profits.”
Allison+Partners – A lot has been going on over at Allison+Partners, especially regarding a recent staff addition. The firm recently announced Jim Selman as the new managing director of the London office. He received the position because of his extensive background and quick, decisive decision-making skills demanded in the managing director position. As he begins his new job with Allison+Partners, Mr. Selman will work beside the senior leadership team driving the London office’s success and growth.
This is just a glimpse of what five PR agencies are doing – many are busy and making moves.
