Global communications and public relations agency Cohn & Wolfe has taken a minority stake in Middle East public relations firm BPG|pr.
The new agency, called BPG|Cohn & Wolfe, is the latest move in the international company’s expansion plans to grow across the region, India and Southeast Asia. Both firms are part of the global WPP group. The creation of BPG|Cohn & Wolfe means a previous regional incarnation of Cohn & Wolfe, which fell under the Grey Group umbrella, is no longer operational.
“The Middle East is one of the world’s most dynamic and fastest growing regions and is becoming increasingly important for our global clients,” said Donna Imperato, CEO of Cohn & Wolfe. “When it came to finding an established, credible partner that understands the complexities and opportunities of this market, and its demand for world class communications services, BPG|pr was best in class.
“Cohn & Wolfe is looking forward to ensuring that the synergies between our two businesses offer our global clients stronger services in the MENA region while providing clients of BPG with an opportunity to benefit from our global network and international expertise.”
Commenting on the new partnership, BPG group chief executive, Avi Bhojani, said: “Engaging in this new relationship will add significant value and further impetus to what is already a successful and growing public relations business at BPG.
“Cohn & Wolfe is recognised as one of the world’s most creative agencies with a strong commitment to digital and social media that will enable us to share best global practice and bring new concepts to our clients in the region, while offering our local as well as regional clients access to a global network.”
BPG|Cohn & Wolfe is part of the BPG Group, which also includes digital agency BPG|Possible, media agency BPG|Maxus, and advertising outfit BPG|Bates.