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August was engaged to provide overall communications support and work the media in support of private investment firm Broadwood Partners’ successful proxy fight to defeat the proposed acquisition of STARR Surgical by Alcon Inc. Broadwood Partners and its affiliates together own 30.2 percent of the outstanding common stock of STAAR Surgical Company, making it the company’s largest shareholder. The agency worked on press releases and media engagement, as well as supplying strategic advice. Don Bilson at research advisory Gordon Haskett called the proxy battle the “fight of the year.” Based on preliminary results, shareholders voted decisively to reject the proposed transaction. “We appreciate that so many shareholders recognize the value of STAAR and share our enthusiasm for the Company’s bright future,” said Broadwood founder and president Neal C. Bradsher.
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5WPR is named agency of record for KISS Colors & Care, a textured hair care and accessories brand within the KISS portfolio. The agency will lead KISS Colors & Care's earned media strategy, driving product discovery, stylist advocacy and spokesperson visibility across beauty, lifestyle and trade outlets. In collaboration with the brand, 5W will create media-forward events, strategic partnerships, and awards initiatives to showcase innovation and leadership in the textured hair category. "This partnership allows us to engage consumers with greater intention and authenticity, extending beyond product launches to honor textured hair not as a trend, but as a lived experience and powerful form of self-expression,” said KISS Colors & Care head of global marketing Karonda Cook.
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Powerhouse+Co. is named communications partner for Stonefire Grill, a Southern California restaurant chain. The agency will spearhead public relations, social media and influencer programs focusing on expanding Stonefire Grill’s reach and deepening guest engagement. Working with Stonefire Grill’s leadership team, Powerhouse will develop strategic campaigns aimed at highlighting the brand’s seasonal menu innovations, philanthropic initiatives and hospitality. “Powerhouse’s integrated approach to brand communications makes the agency the perfect partner to amplify our food, our people and our purpose—while helping us reach new guests and strengthen the bonds that have defined Stonefire for 25 years,” said Stonefire Grill CMO Jennifer Weerheim.
The Point PR, a travel and hospitality agency, wins AOR status for the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess and the Limelight Hotels collection... The Door, Dolphin unit, is named US agency for Kewpie Americas, a Japanese mayonnaise and condiment brand... Akimbo Communications is engaged as PR AOR for Seirus Innovation, which offers clothing focused on cold-weather comfort and outdoor performance.
Padilla is picked by performance supplement brand Ambrosia Collective to launch Planta Powered by Solein... Diffusion gets AOR duties for Mondo Robotics, which develops consumer robotics products designed to integrate seamlessly into daily life... Redpoint signs on as North American PR representative for Setouchi DMO, which promotes travel to the western Japan region... Campstories lands Sojourn Lodging, a family-owned tiny home resort in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains.
Scout Lab gets AOR duties for JoeyCo, a platform that connects older adults with younger people seeking affordable housing support... McLean Media picks up OpenRoad Insurance, which covers classic and collector vehicles and related coverages... 5WPR lands Novo, a financial platform for independent business owners... Colangelo & Partners wins Finger Lakes Wine Alliance.
Diffusion is appointed PR agency of record for Mellow Sleep, a sleep and home brand that had more than $100 million in sales within its first nine months... The Blueshirt Group is selected to lead the investor relations and financial communication programs for Enablence Technologies, which supplies planar lightwave circuit optical chips for datacom, telecommunications, artificial intelligence, and advanced vision applications... Wise Up PR lands Lite Coms, which designs and manufactures advanced tactical satellite communications terminals for defense and government applications.
TURNER comes on board as the first PR AOR for Overseas Adventure Travel, which specializes in a small-group land and small-ship adventures for the 50 and over crowd... FINN Partners lands Langham Hospitality Group, manager of The Langham, Custom House, Bangkok, which is launching later this year... Hannah Cranston Media picks up NULASTIN, a beauty company that offers elastin replenishment products for hair, lashes, brows and skin.
