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WPP has completed the transaction to sell 60 percent of Kantar, its global data, research, consulting analytics business, to Bain Capital Private Equity. While WPP chief executive officer Mark Read said the deal closed more quickly than had been expected, contracts on about 10 percent of the Kantar business will not be finalized until early next year. WPP plans to use about 60 percent of the proceeds, which are expected to be about $3.1 billion, to reduce its debt. The remaining 40 percent are to be distributed to shareholders. Read noted that sale of the Kantar assets completed WPP’s disposal program, calling it “a major step in simplifying and focusing WPP.” Retaining a 40 percent share, he added, will allow WPP to “participate in the future growth of Kantar as well as allowing our clients to continue to benefit from Kantar’s services.”
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Nowa Empower, an agency headquartered in Gothenburg, Sweden, has joined the PR World Alliance. Nowa Empower was formed early this year, following the merger of Nowa Executive, Long Tall Sally and Comvision. Led by long-term PRWA partner Lars-Ola Nordqvist, the agency is part of Nowa Group, which includes agencies and companies that provide branding, PR, graphic design, media buying, special events and other services. “Joining PRWA as the partner firm representing the Nordics represents a significant international marketing opportunity for Nowa Empower,” said agency CEO Anders Wallqvist.
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Burrelles has announced a partnership with social media listening and analytics company Talkwalker. The partnership will provide Burrelles’ clients access to Talkwalker’s products and services as part of the Burrelles’ media monitoring and analytics platform. Talkwalker uses AI-powered technology to monitor and analyze online conversations in real time across social networks, news websites, blogs and forums in 187 languages. “Talkwalker’s sophisticated technology and commitment to customer service mirror Burrelles’ core values and forward focus, and we are confident this partnership will prove invaluable as we embark on our next chapter,” said Burrelles CEO Chaz Waggoner.
4media group completes its acquisition of Family Features Editorial Syndicate... Illumination PR, which represents lifestyle brands, influencers and celebrities, launches DR Media Group... EAG Advertising and Marketing acquires pay-for-performance firm INK inc. Public Relations. 
LLYC launches Signs of Pride, a campaign that revives the original protest banners of the first Pride marches... The Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry forms the Public Relations and Digital Marketing Working Group... Circle of One Marketing, a Miami-based, minority-owned marketing agency, is named official agency of record for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami. 
Vogel Group, a DC-headquartered government affairs and consulting firm, forms a strategic partnership with Montreal-based public affairs firm Boléro Stratégies... Matter Communications launches project-based offerings for B2C companies looking to increase brand awareness and visibility... Tucker/Hall, a Tampa-based PR and public affairs firm, opens a new office in Orlando. 
Why investing in public relations is ultimately about building bridges in a connected world.
Edelman is laying off 330 people (5.3 percent of its workforce) to cope with an anticipated eight percent shortfall in 2024 US revenues, and client demand for one-stop shopping for speciality services.
