Ketchum has acquired German lifestyle and tech PR firm Brandzeichen to bolster its foothold in Europe's largest economy.

Ketchum's 2009 mega-acquisition, Pleon, is based in Duesseldorf, also home of Brandzeichen. The 50-staffer firm has additional offices in Munich and Hamburg.

Brandzeichen CEO Vicky Wagner will remain at the helm of the firm, which continues to operate under its own name and counts clients like Procter & Gamble and Kellogg's.

Senior partner Rob Flaherty noted Germany is the first country where Ketchum opened an office outside of the U.S.

Dick Propp is CEO of Ketchum Pleon Germany.

Brandzeichen means "brand" in German. 

Ketchum is part of Omnicom.