For the second year running IPREX has shown the strongest growth among the worldwide networks, adding five new partners and $20m revenues.

IPREX Worldwide President Kathy Tunheim (Tunheim Partners, Minneapolis) attributes this to well-managed existing partners remaining successful during the downturn combined with the addition of forward-thinking new partners:

"While we are extending our geographical reach, particularly in EMEA, South America and Asia, our strategy of building deep sector and practice capability is attracting ambitious independent firms from our existing markets looking for access to global business.

"We are adding partners with specialisms in both industry sectors such as clean-tech and consumer products and practice skills such as multicultural communication, and helping these firms work together for the benefit of our clients. Our public affairs specialists from around the world, for instance, are meeting in Washington DC next month."

About IPREX

IPREX is one of the world's major corporations of independent public relations and communication firms. Founded in 1983, its 70 partners have 90 offices in North and South America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia Pacific, with annual revenues of $137m. Its 1,290 professionals provide a comprehensive range of services for some of the world's most successful companies.

Chaired by IPREX Worldwide President Kathy Tunheim (Tunheim Partners, Minneapolis), the event was entitled Win.New.Markets and focused on culture-related communication as the key to international market expansion.

Developing global brands

Hans Werner Reinhard began the conference by considering how the exhibition company Messe Düsseldorf has managed its brand in 151 countries, building and defending a position based on the high quality of its events.

Jack Blecker looked at another originally-German brand - Jägermeister - which he had helped to transform from an old-fashioned, traditional product into a global top 10 premium spirits brand by focusing on the same target market worldwide, working closely with trade partners and "keeping everything simple" .

A deep understanding of how corporations take decisions about locating major operations helps Cincinnati market to the worldwide business community, according to Neil Hensley. With over 300 corporations from around the world now investing in Cincinnati, he highlighted the importance of being sensitive to differences in culture and communication environments.

Henkels' award-winning senior marketer Tina Müller described her work in building and sustaining international success with multiple products and target groups under the umbrella brand Schwarzkopf. She outlined the tight management systems which have enabled the brand to grow market share significantly in a highly competitive, complex and fast-moving global market.

Europe and Asia

Corporate Communication expert Stefanie Chalk outlined the Asian relationship with brands, noting that premium pricing produces extremely high expectations. She outlined the challenges of maintaining control of brand perception in Asian markets and considered the implications for communication professionals.

The differences between the ways in which Europeans and Asians think were considered by consultant Dr Hanne Seelmann-Holzmann. She ranged from contrasting the European self-concept of the individual against the Asian concept of group membership to the ways in which images are interpreted in different cultures.

Expanding on this theme, Ralf Weber, from IPREX partner m/e brand communication (Düsseldorf) outlined the results of research into neuronal networks which store information about brands. He reviewed recent work in neurocommunication, which applies these findings to marketing and communication, pointing to some of its implications for international and cross-cultural campaigns.

Getting social media in perspective

Online specialist Jeff Risley, from IPREX partner Barkley (Kansas City) examined the challenges of the new online communication landscape. He defined social media as an additional communication strategy rather than a silver bullet, and offered advice on producing a meaningful return on investment.

About IPREX

IPREX is one of the world's major corporations of independent public relations and communication firms. Founded in 1983, its 70 partners have 90 offices in North and South America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia Pacific, with annual revenues of $137m. Its 1,290 professionals provide a comprehensive range of services for some of the world's most successful companies.

One of Spain’s leading PR firms, PowerAxle of Madrid, has become a partner in IPREX – the worldwide corporation of independent public relations and communication firms – and will work with Arenalia of Barcelona to cover the Spanish market.

PowerAxle has brought an international perspective to its work since its foundation in 1992 by current CEO Mayte González-Gil, formerly at Burson-Marsteller, and is a long-term active member of ADECEC, the Spanish Association of Communication and PR Agencies.

The company has built its reputation on a combination of high level strategic consultancy and flawless execution designed to deliver a high return on investment for clients.  While it does not specialize in any sector, it has particular expertise in healthcare, pharmaceutical, finance, tourism and consumer products.  

Clients include: Chicco, DuPont, Europarc, Langenschdeit, Lilly, Nycomed and Transitions.

PoweraAxle has won industry recognition for its prostate cancer work and its campaign promoting non-alcoholic drinks to drivers, while in October 2009 it beat all competition to top the “Client Satisfaction” rankings in a survey of Spanish PR firms conducted by Grupo Consultores.

IPREX EMEA President Christian Hannestad (The Communications Business, Edinburgh) welcomed PowerAxle: "It is exciting to welcome another high profile firm to the IPREX EMEA group. Mayte’s team, with backgrounds in journalism, law, economics and marketing, set incredibly high standards in their work and their client focus fits very well with the IPREX approach.

“Client programs increasingly demand international perspectives and delivery, and the ambitious independent agencies which make up the IPREX EMEA group are reaping the benefits of a serious global footprint.”

Mayte González-Gil commented: “Joining IPREX is an integral part of our business development strategy. It offers us an ongoing exchange of ideas and experience with some of the world’s leading PR practitioners and ensures that our clients have access to high quality communication services worldwide.”

About IPREX

IPREX is one of the world’s major corporations of independent public relations and communication firms. Founded in 1983, its 70 partners have 90 offices in North and South America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia Pacific, with annual revenues of $137m.  Its 1,290 professionals provide a comprehensive range of services for some of the world’s most successful companies.

Founded in 1995, CG&A is best known for its award-winning work in public affairs and issues management - conducting grass roots campaigns, building coalitions and managing media relations programs. Its high-profile campaigns include the O'Hare International Airport expansion drive and the passing of smoke-free legislation in the City of Chicago for the American Cancer Society. CG&A's regulatory work for U.S. Cellular has extended to numerous states across the country.

At the same time, the firm has built a reputation for high-impact marketing and public relations work and is recognized for influential and strategic use of social media. The firm has created and implemented successful social media strategies for multiple clients including Donate Life Illinois, Rush University Medical Center and the Illinois Office of Tourism.

CG&A has won many honors, including Gold and Silver SABRE awards, and for the last two years was described in the Holmes Report as a business "that delivers impact out of all proportion to its relatively modest size." In 2009 Holmes awarded the firm a Certificate of Excellence as one of the Top Ten PR agencies to work for in the United States.

The company's clients include VOA Associates, U.S. Cellular, Illinois Office of Tourism, GTECH Corporation and Gift of Hope Organ and Tissue Donor Network.

IPREX The Americas President Carolyn Mayo (Vollmer Public Relations, Houston) commented: "We're seeing an increasingly confident attitude among independent American public relations firms as the economy recovers. Progressive firms are looking to expand their horizons, and they rightly see IPREX as offering a passport to opportunities at an international level."

Ms. Mayo noted that CG&A joins JSH&A PR and Flowers Communications Group in the Chicago market, adding, "Carolyn Grisko's highly professional team brings complementary skills and experience to the IPREX group in Chicago, and our partners in the US and further afield are looking forward to working with the agency."

CG&A President & CEO Carolyn Grisko said, "Our clients increasingly have a global presence, and through IPREX we can meet their needs worldwide, while maintaining our high standards and customer focus."

About IPREX

IPREX is one of the world's major corporations of independent public relations and communication firms. Founded in 1983, its 69 partners have 89 offices in North and South America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia Pacific, with annual revenues of $136m. Its 1,280 professionals provide a comprehensive range of services for some of the world's most successful companies.

ABOUT CAROLYN GRISKO & ASSOCIATES INC.

Carolyn Grisko & Associates Inc. (CG&A) is a Chicago-based strategic communications firm that provides public relations, public affairs and marketing services. CG&A helps its clients achieve their goals by delivering targeted messages through media, grassroots and marketing campaigns. CG&A is uniquely positioned to tailor solutions for both the public and private sectors, as well as bridge the gaps between them.

IPREX, the worldwide corporation of independent public relations and communication firms, has extended its Asia Pacific coverage by electing New Zealand’s leading specialist brand building PR consultancy – Pead PR – as a partner.

Based in Auckland, Pead PR was founded in 2001 and has built a team of more than 20 professionals specializing in brand PR and covering strategic consultancy, brand development, media relations, event management and product launches.

Adopting creative and adventurous strategies that provide cut-through attention for brands, the firm works closely with advertising and marketing agencies to deliver seamless through-the-line campaigns for clients from an independent perspective.

IPREX President (Asia Pacific) Peter Wilkinson (Wilkinson PR, Sydney) welcomed Pead PR: "Pead’s reputation for world-class consumer communication work is reflected in its blue-chip client portfolio, which includes such leading global brands as Amstel, Garnier, Heineken, L’Oréal, Microsoft, the New Zealand Mint, Nokia, Sol and Xbox 360.  My focus in the region is on high quality service. Deborah’s great experience as a practitioner can now be utilised throughout Asia and the Pacific, and beyond.”

The firm is renowned for a six-year campaign which transformed an unknown New Zealand premium vodka – 42Below – into an iconic brand with a global reputation. 

Pead PR managing director Deborah Pead commented: “Of course we are delighted to have been elected to IPREX. It may be a cliché to say the world is shrinking but it’s also true to say our firm is at a stage now where our clients are seeking to expand their horizons. 

“Likewise, we work hard to maintain our position as leaders in our field of brand building PR and today that requires a global perspective. IPREX provides an ideal platform from which to achieve those goals.”

About IPREX

IPREX is one of the world’s major corporations of independent public relations and communication firms. Founded in 1983, its 69 partners have 89 offices in North and South America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia Pacific, with annual revenues of $136m.  Its 1,280 professionals provide a comprehensive range of services for some of the world’s most successful companies.

Culture-related communication as the key to market expansion is the main topic at “Win.New.Markets” – the first World Communication Forum, taking place on 20 May 2010 at the Düsseldorf Convention Center, Germany.

Organized by IPREX, the worldwide corporation of independent public relations and communication firms, the conference will feature influential speakers from the United States, Europe and the Far East.

Representing international companies and communication firms they will address the importance of cross-cultural issues in B2B and B2C branding, ranging from differences in image perception between Asian and Western cultures to the ways in which brands can gain additional meanings in new cultural environments.

Speakers will show how global brands successfully establish and manage awareness in different cultures, how brand symbolism can mutate between societies and ways in which international marketers can focus budgets to best effect.

Top speakers

Chairing the conference will be Kathy Tunheim, IPREX Worldwide President, and President and CEO at Tunheim Partners, Minneapolis, who said: “This will be a thought-provoking event, open to all marketers and PR people who need to keep ahead of the curve on cross-cultural branding issues.

“Our Düsseldorf partner, m/e brand communication, has arranged a challenging program, with authoritative speakers representing the Düsseldorf Convention Center, the Jägermeister drinks brand, Schwarzkopf cosmetics and the Cincinnati Regional Chamber, which represents nearly 6,000 businesses.

“They will be joined by experts analysing specific communication aspects of global marketing – from the new rules of engagement in social media to neurocommunication and brand-building strategies in Asia.

“We look forward to learning from our speakers’ experiences, hearing the latest thinking, and networking at the barbecue.”

Details

Location: Messe Düsseldorf / Stockumer Kirchstraße 61 / 40474, Düsseldorf, Germany

Timing: 20 May 2010. Conference begins at 13.00, ends at 18.00, followed by reception and barbecue.

Registration: www.iprex-wcf.com

About IPREX

IPREX is one of the world’s major corporations of independent public relations and communication firms. Founded in 1983, its 69 partners have 89 offices in North and South America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia Pacific, with annual revenues of $136m.  Its 1,280 professionals provide a comprehensive range of services for some of the world’s most successful companies.

IPREX, the worldwide corporation of independent public relations and communication firms, has elected Operate A/S, the full service agency based in Copenhagen, as its Danish partner, and now offers coverage throughout the Nordic market.   

With a staff of over 30, Operate has built a reputation for "knowledge-based communication", combining deep understanding of its clients' operating environments with specialist skills in communication strategy and delivery.This approach, supported by a strategic recruitment policy and major investment in professional development, has led to Operate's position as one of Denmark's leading communication agencies.

The firm has particular knowledge of such issues as health, agriculture, finance, environment, energy and sustainable development - and offers a range of services, from research, strategy, branding and public affairs to change communication, crisis communication, media management, web communication and graphic design.

Operate has a strong reputation in the public sector, having worked for almost all Danish ministries, some 30 municipalities, a number of regions and international organizations such as UNDP, UNICEF and the European Union.

In the private sector, corporate clients include some of the largest Danish companies working across borders - such as Novo Nordisk, VELUX, ISS and DONG Energy.

President of IPREX EMEA, Christian Hannestad (The Communications Business, Edinburgh), commented: "This is a significant milestone which recognises the importance of the Nordics in a wider international context. We now have the reach and depth required by clients, backed by market-leading partners.

"There is renewed confidence among independent PR firms in our region as they seek a worldwide market for their skills and expertise - and IPREX continues to develop as an active facilitator of their increasingly global strategic vision.

"Operate is a highly respected firm which is helping clients to communicate often difficult issues in relation to complex public agendas. Their international perspective fits perfectly with the IPREX client service approach."

Operate Area Director Kasper Westphal Pedersen said: "International collaboration is the natural next step for Operate. Joining IPREX allows us to provide new services to clients with interests outside Denmark and to help overseas clients inside Denmark.

"Equally important, it has always been our ambition to contribute to the development of the communication business and the services it provides for its clients. IPREX shares that ambition, and this is something which really excites us."

About IPREX

IPREX is one of the world's major corporations of independent public relations and communication firms. Founded in 1983, its 68 partners have 88 offices in North and South America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia Pacific, with annual revenues of $134m. Its 1,250 professionals provide a comprehensive range of services for some of the world's most successful companies.

IPREX partners in the Nordics are Consilio Kommunikasjon (Norway), Spotlight PR (Sweden), Manifesto Consulting (Finland) and Operate A/S (Denmark).

Founded in 2000 by the three current owners, Harri Kammonen, Mikko Koistinen and Antti Etelämäki, Manifesto has built a strong reputation in three main fields:

• Strategic consulting (in external and internal communication) including change communication, communication management and research

• Media relations especially in the ICT and consumer sectors

• Marketing PR to support b-to-c customers' sales and marketing activities.

The firm's emphasis on methodological, creative and measurable solutions has driven significant growth, and Manifesto now works with some of Finland's largest companies, from Alma Media (publishing), to Fazer (food), Kamppi Shopping Center (retail) and Area (travel). In addition, its portfolio of international clients continues to expand and includes Capgemini, Henkel and Oracle.

Manifesto conducts regular research into the PR industry, ranging from a report on communication processes in Finnish businesses to a study of the role of social media in PR. The firm is a previous winner of the "PR Agency of the Year" title (awarded by PROCOM, the Finnish Association of Professional Communicators).

President of IPREX EMEA, Christian Hannestad (The Communications Business, Edinburgh), commented: "Recent economic conditions have prompted ambitious PR firms to look beyond their own markets, and consequently we are seeing increased interest in IPREX from companies looking for high quality partners in key locations.

"The consultants at Manifesto already have valuable experience of executing client programs in foreign markets and we are all looking forward to working with them."

Manifesto Partner Harri Kammonen said: "We are very excited to become a member of IPREX. The network gives us a great opportunity to broaden our PR services to Finnish companies on a global scale. And on the contrary, we can now help customers of other IPREX agencies to execute PR in the Finnish market."

About IPREX

IPREX is one of the world's major corporations of independent public relations and communication firms. Founded in 1983, its 68 partners have 88 offices in North and South America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia Pacific, with annual revenues of $130m. Its 1,200 professionals provide a comprehensive range of services for some of the world's most successful companies.

He was speaking in Oslo last week during the annual Global Leadership Conference - The Future of PR - run by IPREX, the worldwide corporation of independent PR and communication firms.

Apart from reacting to such communications developments as the mobile internet and the rise of social media, the PR industry has initiated little change during the last 10 years, claimed Sonberg. He advised his audience of young professionals to reinvent their approach with four key strategies:

• Do the numbers - develop serious numeracy skills in order to understand clients' businesses in financial terms
• Invest in research and measurement to track, prove and predict the business impact of communication work
• Earn the right to be consultants, not agents - understand "what's on the client's plate", and bring this knowledge to the boardroom
• Dare to fail - conservatism and fear of failure is killing innovation, and preventing the PR industry from reinventing itself for the 21st century.

Sonberg's theme was taken up by Kathy Tunheim, IPREX Worldwide President (Tunheim Partners, Minneapolis), who outlined a structure and culture for future global competitiveness in the PR industry, and Peggy Brønn, Associate Professor at the Norwegian School of Management, who presented a masterclass on reputation management.

Delegates also worked in groups on three key strands of development currently under investigation at IPREX - business modeling, innovation and value proposition analysis.

IPREX Worldwide President Kathy Tunheim said: "IPREX is investing heavily to build our competencies to deliver both global scale client services and strong local-market insights in each of our 88 locations. The Global Leadership Conference is one great example of how that investment pays off - our emerging leaders have now had the opportunity to work side by side, building a shared vision for the future of our services model. As the world gets smaller and flatter, we are ensuring that our people are organized and prepared to deliver consistent, valuable communications services wherever our clients need them."

IPREX, the worldwide corporation of independent public relations and communication firms, has boosted its client service capability in Europe by electing wbpr as an additional partner in Germany, joining long-standing partner m/e brand communication of Düsseldorf.

Founded in 1980, wbpr has offices in Munich, Berlin, Potsdam and Budapest, employing 60 staff and specializing in business communications and public affairs. The company offers particular expertise in crisis communications, media relations, corporate social responsibility, online communications and employer branding.

Currently, wbpr’s client portfolio includes:  Ministry of Economy, Ministry of Education and Research, LIDL, Betfair, Fair Berlin, WÜRTH, The Address Hotel Dubai, GEA, Robowatch and AGES.

Building on its considerable knowledge of government communication and its experience in international work, wbpr recently established a Public Diplomacy Team dedicated to reputation management for major political units including countries.  Members of the team, which is headed by a former diplomat, have conducted programs in many countries, from Russia to southern Africa, and from Brussels to the Middle East.

Managing Partner Michael Schröder said: “As the former CEO of EURO RSCG ABC (1995-2000) and later as CEO of Hill & Knowlton Germany (2001-2007) I´m happy to be back in the international PR community with wbpr GmbH. The challenges of PR in the future will be more and more the understanding of international and intercultural diversity. This is what we want to share with IPREX for our clients in Germany!”

President of IPREX EMEA, Christian Hannestad (The Communications Business, Edinburgh), welcomed wbpr: “While most western economies are only growing slowly our partners are investing ahead of the curve. They need to ensure that they and their clients take full advantage of the opportunities presented by a rapidly-evolving global business environment.

“wbpr and m/e brand communication are two top-rank firms, both with an international outlook in their genes. Together they represent for IPREX an outstanding combination of skills and experience in the important German-speaking market and beyond.”

Paver Smith, the fast-growing PR agency with offices in Liverpool and Manchester, has been elected a partner in IPREX, the worldwide corporation of independent public relations and communication firms. 

A combination of organic growth and acquisition has contributed to a five-fold increase in the agency’s income since it was founded in 2006. In 2009 it was one of eight ”Top Performers” in the PR Week Top 150 League Table, and voted “north-west PR agency of the year” in both The Drum and How-Do.

Known for its focus on staff development as well as its results-based client work, the agency was awarded Investors in People accreditation (2007) and the PRCA’s Consultancy Management Standard (2008). In addition it has achieved ISO 14001 environmental management certification, which helps to manage and minimise the environmental impact of its operations.

Paver Smith has a broad-ranging client portfolio, concentrated mainly in property, professional services, public sector, energy, shipping, retail and sports. Clients include: Bibby Ship Management, DLA Piper, Everton Tigers basketball team, Shell Gas Direct and The National Lottery.

Director Martyn Best said: “Our region of England has a population of 7 million and a $150bn economy, with many large export-oriented businesses.  Working with IPREX partners will ensure our clients receive the standard of care and counsel that is our hallmark, wherever they find themselves doing business.  And should anybody want to do business in the home of the Beatles, then they’ll find us here eight days a week...”

Welcoming Paver Smith, the President of IPREX EMEA, Christian Hannestad (The Communications Business, Edinburgh), said: “Partners are capitalizing on the increasingly global nature of communication and reputation management, despite the current challenging economic climate. Many of Paver Smith’s clients have an important international dimension and IPREX will help the agency to broaden the scope of its activities in this field. We’re all looking forward to working with such a dynamic, professional team.” 

MGH Communication Management, the strategic PR firm based in Buenos Aires, Argentina, has been elected as a partner in IPREX, the worldwide corporation of independent public relations and communication firms. 

Founded in 2002 by María Gabriela Hoch, MGH (www.mghcm.com) has built a strong reputation for its media relations, event creation and corporate responsibility work, with such clients as American Express, Ernst & Young, Comsat Argentina, Korn Ferry, Abbott Laboratories, Hertz, Copa Airlines, Nokia and Johnson & Johnson.

The firm views both internal and external communication as essential strategic tools in client work, and put its combination of creativity and attention to detail to good effect in winning an Eikon Gold Award for its American Express Gold Card launch.

María Gabriela Hoch said: “Two factors have prompted us to add a serious international dimension to our firm: first, our clients increasingly need coordinated PR work outside Argentina, and second, we are keen to leverage our experience of helping foreign organizations do business here. In addition, our partnership with IPREX professionals around the world will help us develop our business.”

Welcoming MGH, the President of IPREX The Americas, Carolyn Mayo (Vollmer Public Relations, Houston), said: “María’s team is well known in Argentina as a highly professional PR operation, and we have seen their ability to manage large scale and complex assignments at first hand. Their strategic approach and high client service levels fit perfectly with the IPREX mindset.” 

Item Comunicação, the award-winning Sao Paulo PR consultancy, has been elected a partner in IPREX, the global corporation of independent public relations and communication firms.

Founded in 1986, Item specializes in communication consulting and marketing for leading companies in the technology, economic, marketing and manufacturing sectors.

Offering communication strategy, reputation management, brand identity, crisis management and a full range of media services, from training to implementation, Item currently works with clients such as EMC, Fujitsu, McKinsey, Verisign and Votorantim New Business.

Known for its use of cutting-edge communications technology as well as its rigorous strategic approach, Item’s progress has reflected the emergence of a modern business culture in Brazil, closely linked to global markets.

Item founder and CEO Celina Monteiro de Barros commented: “Our 20 years experience in working with international companies in Brazil and Latin America and leveraging Brazilian companies globally will amplify the reach of IPREX. We are very excited by the opportunities we see ahead”.

President, IPREX The Americas, Carolyn Mayo (Vollmer Public Relations, Houston) welcomed Item: “Brazil is an increasingly important player on the world stage, and Item’s long experience in the South American business environment, together with their sheer professionalism, make them ideal IPREX partners.” 

Peter Wilkinson, CEO of Wilkinson PR, a full service corporate affairs and public relations agency with offices in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth, has been appointed President Asia Pacific of IPREX, the global corporation of independent public relations and communication firms.

Wilkinson has set out four key areas of benefit for IPREX partners in the region:

·        Growth: Opportunities to generate new business by building relationships with partners worldwide 

·        Performance: Improved agency operations and performance through discussion and information sharing with other partners

·        Quality: Improved professional knowledge and services to clients, through working with other partners in the IPREX Quality Assurance and Professional Development programs

·        Networking: Access to global resources and perspectives for our clients.

 Commenting on his new role he said: “Our task in Asia Pacific is to build a team of agencies equipped for the triple challenges of growth, quality assurance and the online media revolution. We all want global relationships, and IPREX makes that easier, removing the uncertainty of new inter-agency alliances.

 “My role is to ensure we are pro-active in efficiently connecting our Asian agencies into the US and Europe. Speaking plainly, that means for instance connecting agencies across all time-zones within 36 hours, and checking back that the fit is right. Clients the world over appreciate, in fact expect, nimbleness and we can walk the talk.

 “The recovery end of the recession in particular will present a lot of business opportunities. We know that our partner agencies in the US and Europe are anxious for Asian contacts.”  

 Peter Wilkinson takes over from David Ketchum of Upstream Asia, which was recently acquired by Bite Communications.

A strategic partnership with Ion Online Marketing, widely acknowledged as the province's leading provider of digital marketing strategies, enables the firm to offer co-coordinated, integrated on-line PR and communication programmes.

Working in business-to-business, consumer, corporate and public affairs, dcp private sector clients include Tesco, the Tayto Group, who own Golden Wonder, Kelman (part of GE), firmus energy, Dekko and The National Trust.

In the public sector the firm works with bodies such as InterTradeIreland (government cross-border body), Bord Gáis (Irish Gas board), the Prince's Trust and the Youth Council for Northern Ireland.

Gwynneth Cockcroft, managing director, commented: "With the island of Ireland fast becoming one marketplace we need to be able to operate seamlessly from coast to coast. Already we have worked successfully with Walsh Public Relations in Dublin, now our IPREX partner, and we know that the kind of knowledge and experience that IPREX partners bring is vital for local companies expanding globally and for the increasing number of international companies entering our market.

"IPREX and our partners across the world provide an excellent resource into which we can tap for information, ideas, support and inspiration - so when we are implementing plans for clients, ideas could have come from Ballyclare, Belfast and Bangor or even from as far away as Hong Kong, Hawaii or Mississippi!"

The President of IPREX EMEA, Christian Hannestad (The Communications Business, Edinburgh, Scotland) welcomed dcp: "Ireland, on both sides of the border, is gaining rapidly in economic prominence, so we're delighted to be able to add a firm as influential as dcp to our expanding EMEA group."

About IPREX

IPREX (www.iprex.com) is one of the world's major corporations of independent public relations firms. Founded in 1983, its 68 partners have 92 offices in North and South America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia Pacific, with annual revenues of $125m. Its 1,170 professionals provide a comprehensive range of services for some of the world's most successful companies.

- Ends -

IPREX media enquiries
David Watson: davidw@campaignteam.biz +44 1273 845462

IPREX
Bobbie Goodwin: experts@iprex.com +1 770-763-5846

dcp
Gwynneth Cockcroft: gwynneth.cockcroft@dcppr.co.uk +44 2890 402296

With an exceptional background in media relations, the firm has grown its service base and now also offers senior-level counsel and implementation in government relations, community relations, investor relations and issues/crisis management and recovery.

The company's clients are drawn from a range of sectors including financial and transaction work, resources, climate change and sustainability, agriculture, commercial property and infrastructure, health and biotech, industry associations and retail.

CEO Peter Wilkinson commented: "I think IPREX will be a good fit for us. Australia is seen as a first-port-of-call for many US and EU companies expanding overseas. As well we are an exporting country and many local companies look for external relationships. In the past six years we've managed campaigns for Australian industries in the US, the UK and other countries in Europe, as well as the Middle East."

IPREX President Asia Pacific David Ketchum (Upstream Asia, Hong Kong) commented: "Wilkinson PR is a high quality firm doing impressive work for blue-chip clients - which fits the IPREX profile perfectly. Peter's team will bring additional strengths in media, crisis and issues communication and government relations to our clients and partners."

About IPREX

IPREX (www.iprex.com) is one of the world's major corporations of independent public relations and communication firms. Founded in 1983, its 68 partners have 92 offices in North and South America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia Pacific, with annual revenues of $125m. Its 1,190 professionals provide a comprehensive range of services for some of the world's most successful companies.

- Ends -

IPREX media enquiries
David Watson: davidw@campaignteam.biz +44 1273 845462

IPREX
Bobbie Goodwin: experts@iprex.com +1 770-763-5846

Wilkinson PR
Peter Wilkinson: pwilkinson@wilkinsonpr.com.au +61 2 8001 8888

It currently serves local and multinational clients from a wide range of industries - including technology, lifestyle, corporate/finance and government - such as Apple, Electrolux, EON Bank, Johnson & Johnson Vision Care (Acuvue), Logitech, Malaysian Development Corporation (MDeC), Munchy's, P&G Prestige Products and Xango

Rantau Managing Director Janitha Sukumaran commented: "We are excited about the expansion potential that this new partnership brings both to our business and to that of our clients. Through the IPREX partners we now have a global reach - not only to new opportunities but, more importantly, to our new partners, in sharing knowledge and support."

IPREX President Asia Pacific David Ketchum (Upstream Asia, Hong Kong) welcomed Rantau: "We have worked with Janitha and her team for over five years and they have consistently over-delivered - in ideas, implementation and results.

"Their strong understanding of the Malaysian geopolitical landscape has been instrumental in helping several of our clients - and many others - to do business successfully in their country. They will be an excellent resource for our IPREX partners and their clients."

About IPREX

IPREX (www.iprex.com) is one of the world's major corporations of independent public relations and communication firms. Founded in 1983, its 68 partners have 92 offices in North and South America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia Pacific, with annual revenues of $125m. Its 1,190 professionals provide a comprehensive range of services for some of the world's most successful companies.

- Ends -

IPREX media enquiries
David Watson: davidw@campaignteam.biz +44 1273 845462

IPREX
Bobbie Goodwin: experts@iprex.com +1 770-763-5846

Rantau PR
Janitha Sukumaran: sjanitha@rantaupr.com.my +603 7955 7269

The firm's methodology involves a range of analytical services, training programs and campaign implementation, often working closely with advertising, media and web agencies. This approach has enabled Spotlight to double in size over the last two years, working mainly in technology and consumer markets for client such as CIBA Vision, Henkel, Logica, Novell, Oracle and Toshiba.

In addition, Spotlight, which won the Gyllene Hjulet Award for best PR sponsorship campaign in 2008, has been nominated for Sweden's "Best PR Agency of the Year" for the last three years.

Johan Wetterqvist said: "Axel and I both worked in international PR firms before we set up Spotlight and, as we see an increasing demand for international PR support from our clients, IPREX will add great value to our business proposition."

IPREX President EMEA Christian Hannestad (The Communications Business, Edinburgh, Scotland) said: "Spotlight PR's innovative approach to tackling clients' communication challenges has received widespread acclaim and we are delighted to welcome the team to the IPREX family.

"We are having considerable success attracting new partners of significant standing and the addition of Spotlight PR further strengthens the reach and depth of IPREX in EMEA."

About IPREX

IPREX (www.iprex.com) is one of the world's major corporations of independent public relations and communication firms. Founded in 1983, its 66 partners have 88 offices in North and South America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia Pacific, with annual revenues of $123m. Its 1,170 professionals provide a comprehensive range of services for some of the world's most successful companies.

- Ends -

IPREX media enquiries
David Watson: davidw@campaignteam.biz +44 1273 845462

IPREX
Bobbie Goodwin: experts@iprex.com +1 770-763-5846

Spotlight PR
Johan Wetterqvist: Johan.Wetterqvist@spotlightpr.se +46 70 716 67 60

ATLANTA (9 June 2009) – Arenalia Comunicación & Eventos, the Barcelona-based corporate and consumer consultancy, has become a partner in IPREX, the global corporation of independent PR firms, to work alongside long-standing IPREX partner Consultores Quantumleap of Madrid.

Arenalia provides a broad and flexible public relations service, identifying and linking each client’s communication objectives to its organization’s vision, attitude and philosophy. Its approach is to work to a coherent and consistent communication strategy, in corporate, marketing support and internal work.

Its in-house events production department ensures that events integrate, both strategically and tactically, with the client’s full spectrum of communication work.

It is owned by Managing Director Oscar Iniesta, who founded the firm in 2004 after three years as consumer division director at Llorente y Cuenca, the major Spanish and Latin American PR group. Prior to that he spent 10 years as consumer division director at Weber Shandwick Spain.

Working in corporate and consumer PR and event management across a range of industries including energy, leisure and food, Arenalia’s clients include Campina, Harley-Davidson, Holiday Inn Express and Whirlpool.

“We are well aware of the need for global perspectives in all our work – with regional, national and international organizations,” said Iniesta. “At the recent IPREX meeting in New York, I was very impressed with the professionalism and ‘can-do’ approach of our new partners. We look forward to working with Consultores Quantumleap and with the IPREX community worldwide.”

The President of IPREX EMEA, Christian Hannestad (The Communications Business, Edinburgh, Scotland) said: “We now have first class partners in both Barcelona and Madrid, which recognizes the importance of Spain, both from an international perspective and as a catalyst to Europe’s future prosperity.

"Both partners offer exceptional skill-sets, as well as a complementary geographical reach, which provides clients with access to a very impressive combination of talent and experience.”

About IPREX

IPREX (www.iprex.com) is one of the world’s major corporations of independent public relations firms. Founded in 1983, its 65 partners have 87 offices in North and South America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia Pacific, with annual revenues of $120m.  Its 1,150 professionals provide a comprehensive range of services for some of the world’s most successful companies.

- Ends -

IPREX media enquiries

David Watson: davidw@campaignteam.biz                          +44 1273 845462

IPREX

Bobbie Goodwin: experts@iprex.com                                    +1 770-763-5846

Arenalia

Oscar Iniesta: oiniesta@arenalia.com                                   +34 932 320 044

Consultores Quantumleap

Nuria Sanchez: nuria.sanchez@quantumleap-es.com         +349 17 81 80 90

With an 11-strong senior team, Paper Communications offers a broad range of clients an integrated service - based on rigorous research and planning - which covers digital marketing, event management, multimedia design, direct marketing and advertising as well as public relations.

"PR is in its infancy in Kosovo" said Ilir Grapci, "and ironically this produces two serious benefits for our clients. First, we have to align PR work very closely with other communication disciplines which are better understood, thus producing seamless and efficient programs. And second, we have to be fully accountable, demonstrating to our clients a clear return on investment.

"Joining IPREX is an important step for us - it will help our clients grow and will also enable our agency to expand into new markets."

IPREX President Worldwide Kathy Tunheim (Tunheim Partners, Minneapolis) welcomed Paper Communications: "Ilir has a remarkably strong team of professionals whose experience in integrated communication will be a great asset to us. At the same time, Paper provides IPREX clients with on-the-ground knowledge about a part of Europe which is very new to the world's business community."

About IPREX

IPREX (www.iprex.com) is one of the world's major corporations of independent public relations firms. Founded in 1983, its 65 partners have 87 offices in North and South America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia Pacific, with annual revenues of $120m. Its 1,150 professionals provide a comprehensive range of services for some of the world's most successful companies.

- Ends -

IPREX media enquiries
David Watson: davidw@campaignteam.biz +44 1273 845462

IPREX
Bobbie Goodwin: experts@iprex.com +1 770-763-5846

Paper Communications
Lura Elezaj: lura.elezaj@paperconsultancy.com +381 38 22 69 55