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Stagwell enters into an agreement to acquire Create. Group, a strategic digital communications group that operates across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. The company will become a part of Stagwell's Code and Theory Network, which partners with businesses that focus on changing consumer behaviors, emerging technologies and AI. Create. Group founder and CEO Tom Otton will continue to lead the firm. Create. Group’s client roster includes the Department of Culture & Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT), Dubai Department of Economy (DET) and Tourism, Sony Pictures, Volkswagen Middle East, COP29, Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) and NEOM. “Create. Group and the Code and Theory Network share the same digital-led vision and together, we're the right size to produce quality, game-changing work," said Stagwell chairman and CEO Mark Penn.
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Marketbridge, a growth consulting and marketing services firm, acquires April Six Science & Innovation and April Six Technology, whose services include PR & communications, branding and demand generation, from TheMISSIONGroup Plc. April Six Mobility, which works with clients in the B2C automotive sector, will remain part of The MISSIONGroup. April Six founder and CEO Fiona Shepherd will step down from her position as executive director on MISSION’s board. This is Marketbridge’s first acquisition in EMEA, expanding its global footprint. “This marks a significant step in our mission to eliminate fragmentation in sales and marketing efforts and provide our clients with integrated, high-velocity growth solutions,” said Marketbridge CEO John Shomaker.
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Seventh Bear, a marketing consultancy that grew out of LA-based The Content Advisory, launches. TCA founder Robert Rose and lead analyst Cathy McKnight remain in charge of the rebranded firm. Seventh Bear will provide marketing consulting, advisory, training and fractional marketing leadership to companies of all sizes. It also remains the main marketing partner to the Content Marketing Institute, which works to advance the practice of content marketing through online education and in-person and digital events. “Seventh Bear exists to help teams move smart, get creative, and use technology as a tool—not a crutch,” said Rose.
The Public Relations Global Network adds Agence Profile in Paris and IDDEA Comunicaciones in Bogotá to its membership... Signal Group, a DC-based firm, launches AI Frame, a PA offering to help organizations understand and manage how they appear across Large Language Model AI platforms... Spears Group, a New Orleans-headquartered integrated marketing and advertising agency, sets up shop in Houston... IPREX brings on new partner agencies in Italy, Chicago, Las Vegas and India.
The New York Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America names Attention Comms CEO Paul Cohen as 2026 president of its board of directors. Cohen succeeds Ken Kerrigan, who has held executive posts at Bliss Group, Infinite and Weber Shandwick... Startr Co. of Los Angeles, marks its 10th anniversary with the launch of a renewed brand identity and redesigned website.... Michael Best Strategies, an affiliated consulting firm of national law firm Michael Best, is introducing a corporate advisory service.
Real Chemistry launches RC Resolve, a healthcare advisory practice... Seven Letter, a bipartisan strategic communications firm, adds offices in Los Angeles, New York, and Huntsville... GMMB founding partner David Mitchell died on Jan. 2 at 75. Mitchell’s career in communications began in June 1978, when he joined the staff of the United Auto Workers as assistant to the director of public relations and publications.
Berns Communications Group expands its advisory services and rebrands as Berns & Co... DVV Media International, a B2B media and events company serving the transport and logistics markets, sells its Road portfolio of products to Mark Allen Group... MAD Global Strategy of New Jersey launches a Washington presence. 
Motio is launched by former BPD chief strategy & innovation officer Sasha Boghosian and Ryan Colaianni, who was CCO at BPD as well as an SVP at Edelman... PMG acquires Digital Voices, an influencer marketing agency with a team of 70 employees across London, New York and Costa Rica... Gregory
