Burson–Marsteller, a leading global public relations and communications firm, and Asda´a, the leading public relations company in the Middle East region, have created a merged regional network covering all major markets in the Middle East.
The move follows WPP Group plc´s majority investment in Middle East communications leader The Holding Group (THG). WPP Group plc is one of the world´s leading communications services networks and the parent company of Burson–Marsteller through WPP subsidiary Young & Rubicam Brands. Asda´a is part of THG. The merged business will be renamed Asda´a Burson–Marsteller and will be fully integrated into Burson–Marsteller Europe, Middle East and Africa.
"I am proud that Burson–Marsteller continues to expand our network into even more places around the globe," commented Mark Penn, worldwide CEO of Burson–Marsteller.
Joseph Ghossoub, THG President and CEO, said the combined strengths of Burson–Marsteller´s global network and best practices and Asda´a´s successful strategic communications delivery across the diverse Middle East market brings unparalleled reach and resources to clients across the region.
"This is a logical and positive step that will create significant opportunities for growth and development for employees and clients," said Ghossoub.
Sunil John, Managing Director of Asda´a Public Relations, said: "We are delighted to be able to announce our partnership with Burson–Marsteller. The global Burson–Marsteller brand together with our leading position in the Middle East is a winning combination. We look forward to sharing knowledge and best practices for our employees, across our 11 fully–owned office network in the region, to benefit from some of the opportunities that Burson–Marsteller has to offer such as access to their practices and products, training and online resources."
"We are extremely pleased to be integrating Asda´a into Burson–Marsteller EMEA and to be able to welcome 160 new professionals into our network. I look forward to working closely together and to developing our joint strategy for the Middle East region," said Jeremy Galbraith, CEO Burson–Marsteller Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA).
About Burson–Marsteller
Burson–Marsteller (www.burson–marsteller.com), established in 1953, is a leading global public relations and communications firm. It provides clients with strategic thinking and program execution across a full range of public relations, public affairs, advertising, and web–related services. The firm´s seamless worldwide network consists of 57 wholly–owned offices and 46 affiliate offices, together operating in 59 countries across six continents. Burson–Marsteller is a part of Young & Rubicam Brands, a subsidiary of WPP (NASDAQ: WPPGY), one of the world´s leading communications services networks.
About Asda´a
Established in 1992, Asda´a (www.asdaa.com) is the region´s leading public relations consultancy, with over 160 professionals in 11 fully–owned offices across the region. The agency provides services to government, multinational businesses and regional corporate clients through its six practices in the sectors of Technology, Corporate, Finance, Healthcare, Consumer Marketing and Public Affairs. Its services include issues management, media training, crisis communications, media monitoring and analysis, media relations, and event management.
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