WPP to Merge Hill & Knowlton and Public Strategies

WPP is merging its business advisory and public opinion research firm Public Strategies with its international communications agency Hill and Knowlton (H&K), to offer joint capabilities in public affairs, research, digital and financial services.

Austin, Texas-based Public Strategies - which was acquired by the group in 2006 - was founded in 1998 by campaign veteran Jack Martin (pictured), and also has operations in San Antonio, New York, Washington and Mexico City. Its services include crisis management, litigation communications, public opinion research, and media and government relations.

As part of the merger, Martin will become Global Executive Chairman of Hill & Knowlton, while his colleague President and CEO Dan Bartlett will expand his role to become CEO of Hill & Knowlton USA and Chairman and CEO of Public Strategies. Paul Taaffe will remain Global CEO of Hill & Knowlton.

The combined global communications consultancy will have a team of 2,300 staff based in 44 countries. Each company will keep its own brand 'for the foreseeable future'.

'H&K and Public Strategies will be a formidable combination and industry leader - combining global expertise and talent with strong financial services, public affairs, research and digital capabilities,' states WPP CEO Sir Martin Sorrell.

The merger will take effect on 1 January 2011.

Web sites: www.pstrategies.com , www.hillandknowlton.com and www.wpp.com .