Global communications agency Ruder Finn has acquired Atteline, a UAE-founded agency headquartered in Dubai.
Atteline, founded by Sophie Simpson, will be Ruder Finn’s new hub in the Middle East.
It said the acquisition “builds on the momentum of Ruder Finn expanding its global strategic footprint with investments in healthcare, enterprise technology, rf techlab, reputation management, crisis communications, social and digital in the last year.”
Simpson, Atteline’s Managing Director, founded the integrated communication agency in 2016.
She will work closely with Kathy Bloomgarden, Global CEO of Ruder Finn, and Atul Sharma, who leads Ruder Finn’s Middle East Region.
By developing a new hub in Dubai, Ruder Finn aims to meet the growing demand for public relations, marketing communications, digital, and corporate reputation in this region.
“In 2023, our 75th anniversary year, Ruder Finn experienced remarkable double-digit growth,” said Bloomgarden.
“We are committed to expanding our reach and our expertise globally and now is a great time to do so as the UAE, and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are continuing to forecast strong growth across all industries.
Cultural insights
“Atteline brings cultural insights and expertise to the agency that can be leveraged to develop our relationships and best serve our clients,” said Atul Sharma, CEO Ruder Finn India & Head Middle East.
“Atteline’s multichannel digital and social expertise will be a great complement to Ruder Finn’s strength in this area.”
Ruder Finn is one of the world’s largest independent global communications and creative agencies.
