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Public Relations Global Network welcomed three new member firms at its 25th anniversary meeting in Kyoto, Japan. Another Company, a Mexico-headquartered firm with clients such as Calvin Klein, Prada and Peninsula Hotels, also has offices in Colombia and Panama. Perspective Strategies, based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, is a strategic communications and issue management firm specializing in public affairs, brand communications and stakeholder engagement. São Paulo, Brazil’s SMARTPR offers a range of services including communications, advertising, public relations, journalism and design. “These individuals and their teams are true leaders in their respective markets and countries – smart, forward-looking and highly-integrated in how they approach our field today,” said PRGN president Christina Rytter. “Their interest, and the continued growth of our network, demonstrates the health and vitality not just of PRGN, but also the independent PR agency market worldwide.”
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TransMedia Group says that it is in merger talks with iTeknik Holding Corporation. TransMedia, which was founded by author and former NBC VP Tom Madden, has a stable of clients that has included AT&T, American Red Cross, Boehringer Ingelheim, Jordache and Rexall Sundown. “After meeting Madden and his staff, we’re in discussions to acquire an interest in TransMedia,” said Fred Wicks, Chairman and CEO of iTeknik. iTeknik has transitioned from the telecom industry to marketing, advertising and the digital media space with the startup of its Big Rhino Agency in January.
DJE Holdings, parent of Edelman and Zeno, launches RUTH as an independent shop named after Ruth Edelman, mental health advocate, wife and longtime business partner of Dan Edelman.
New York City PR firms make up the largest slice of O'Dwyer's 147 firm overall ranking with 33 of 40 in the New York/New Jersey area either calling Manhattan their home or having a presence there.
Subject Matter+Kivvit, which joined forces in May, has rebranded as Avoq, an integrated shop with more than 200 professionals in Washington, New York, Asbury Park (NJ), Miami and Chicago.
While PR pros stationed at in-house comms. teams and those working for agencies share many of the same objectives, they also have markedly different top priorities, according to a recent report.
Edelman is cutting 240 employees or about four percent of its workforce to cope with the cooling down of the PR sector, according to a memo from CEO Richard Edelman.
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