The review of PR Pitches and mergers & acquisitions in UK PR: March 2024

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Welcome to our March 2024 Review of PR Pitches and mergers & acquisitions in the UK PR scene with Andrew Bloch, where we will discuss the biggest, most seismic pitch wins and mergers and acquisitions that the PR sector has seen in 2023.

Andrew is the lead consultant - PR, Social, Content and Influencer at the new business consultancy firm AAR and a partner at PCB Partners, where he advises on buying and selling marketing services agencies.

Andrew launched Andrew Bloch & Associates in 2020.

Before we start, here is a plug for our latest launch: our new subscription training service for senior folks within agencies' PRmoment Leaders. Do take a look and let us know if you like it.

And if you fancy joining us at the PRmoment Awards in either London or Manchester you need to get your tickets quick.

Thanks also so much to the PRmoment Podcast sponsors the PRCA.

2.30 mins Andrews updates us on this month's PR Pitch wins

Pukka Organic Herbal teas appoint Grayling.

Global Brands (who own VK and Hooch) appoint Prohibition.

Pepsi appoint Hope & Glory.

Taco Bell appoint Earnies

Popeyes appoint The Romans.

Pizza Express appoint Pretty Green

Cook appoint Don’t Cry Wolf.

Carlsberg Group appoint Richmond & Towers for a global PR and social media strategy for Brooklyn Brewery brand.

National Hockey League appoint Mischief.

Casio appoint Kingdom Collective - (Part of Splendid group.)

Nobu Hotel appoint W Communications.

Franks Hot Sauce appoint Pangolin.

18 mins A discussion of the state of the PR new business market at the moment.

“It’s not a bed of roses for everyone, but there is still business out there.”

You have to show resilience and dig deep. ..running an agency is always a bit of a roller coaster. It’s often a question of how quickly you come out of the dips. It's not plain sailing. Anyone who runs an agency and tells you it's a piece of cake, I’d call them a liar.”

19 mins A round-up and discussion of March’s M&A activity.

21 mins Ruder Finn acquire Atteline - expanding its Middle East and global footprint.

Woodrow has formed a partnership with Paris-based Taddeo to expand both organisations' work across the UK and Europe. Jim Donaldson, the former CEO of Fleishman Hillard, joined Woodrow as non-exec chair in February this year.

Stagwell acquire Sidekick. Sidekick launched in 2021 after the merger of experiential agency Kreate and content agency Many Makers.

MHP acquired creative content above-the-line agency La Plage.

Havas acquires Wilderness in its second acquisition this year already.