Founded in 2001, the company provides integrated communication programs for market leading enterprises including publicly-quoted companies, financial institutions and social organizations. Clients include: LOTOS Group, Strabag, GDF Suez, Polimex-Mostostal and Jastrzębska Spółka Węglowa.

Martis CONSULTING is the fastest-growing of the larger Polish agencies and now has a team of 30 experienced consultants providing a comprehensive range of communication services, with special expertise in strategic counsel, corporate PR and investor relations.

The effectiveness of their approach in adding value to their clients' operations, has been attested by several awards for work in investor relations and corporate social responsibility, where they are recognized leaders in the field.

Company President Dariusz Jarosz said: "The Polish market is one of the most important and rapidly-expanding in Central Eastern Europe and we are honored to represent IPREX here.

"Through the network we can advise companies in other parts of the world while cooperation with our IPREX partners will certainly be valuable for Polish companies looking to expand their presence overseas, and for foreign ones looking for an effective partner in Poland."

IPREX EMEA President Christian Hannestad (The Communications Business, Edinburgh) commented: "Our new partner is a very impressive firm indeed, providing high-profile clients with a powerful combination of senior-level strategy and multi-channel implementation.

"IPREX has 35 offices in the EMEA group stretching from Dublin to Dubai, and Dariusz and his team will be a great asset to our partners and clients not only in our region but around the world. As we continue to grow and to integrate our firms more closely on client business, the expertise and experience that Martis brings to the network will add significantly to our capabilities."

About IPREX

IPREX is one of the world's major corporations of public relations and communication firms. Founded in 1983, its 70 partners have 104 offices in North and South America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia Pacific, with annual revenue of US$184m. Its 1,400 professionals provide a comprehensive range of services for some of the world's most successful companies.

- Ends -

IPREX enquiries
David Watson: executive@iprex.com +44 1273 845462

Martis CONSULTING
Joanna Pydo: joanna.pydo@martis-consulting.pl

+48 22 244 5700

Ewa Baldyga: ewa.baldyga@martis-consulting.com.pl

+48 22 244 5700

Founded in 2003 by Silvia Pineda Sibaja and Horacio Loyo Gris, both of whom had worked with multinational PR firms, Dextera has built a fully bilingual team with extensive experience of working throughout Mexico and the Americas - North and South.

The company takes a strategic view of its clients' businesses and focuses on building communication programs designed to deliver measurable results consistently over time.

Its work with high-profile international companies in the entertainment, technology, retail and home improvement sectors has helped to build its extensive experience of working in foreign markets. Clients include Costco, Discovery Networks México, HBO Latin America Group, Interbrand, The Clorox Company and Navistar - plus project work for such companies as Booz & Co and Watchguard.

According to co-owner Horacio Loyo Gris: "We are thrilled to become part of the IPREX network and add value to the operation. Like IPREX, Dextera puts a premium on building strong relationships, and our approach has resulted in a high rate of client retention - we have several clients for whom we have worked uninterrupted for eight years. We look forward to establishing and developing new relationships with our new partners around the world to deliver benefits to their clients and ours."

IPREX Americas President Renzi Stone (Saxum, Oklahoma City) said: "We've spent time with the Dextera team and we're very impressed with the quality of their thinking and implementation. As international companies grow their investments in Mexico, they demand sophisticated strategic communication programs that mirror the work they are doing in the US and other mature markets - and Dextera is exactly the right firm to deal with such demands.

"IPREX now has 53 offices in the Americas group, stretching from Vancouver to Buenos Aires, and we are seeing increasing collaboration between them as our clients take a positive approach to the prevailing economic conditions. So - we are delighted to welcome such a professional firm as Dextera to the team."

About IPREX

IPREX is one of the world's major corporations of public relations and communication firms. Founded in 1983, its 70 partners have 104 offices in North and South America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia Pacific, with annual revenue of US$183m. Its 1,400 professionals provide a comprehensive range of services for some of the world's most successful companies.

One of Italy's largest independent communication firms, Imageware, has joined IPREX - the worldwide corporation of independent public relations and communication firms.

To provide a comprehensive IPREX service in the Italian market Imageware joins Lead Communication which joined IPREX in2004 and organized the 2010 EMEA meeting in Milan.

Based in Milan, Imageware employs over 40 professional staff in two divisions:

• PR, digital PR & media relations
• Corporate identity, graphic design, editorial services.

In addition, the firm has two subsidiaries, IMG Internet and Hi-comm, dedicated to web design & web marketing and events management.

Imageware has built an excellent reputation over 25 years and works with world-class clients including Adobe, Amadeus, Beiersdorf, Bridgestone, Canadian Solar, Honeywell, General Electric, Microsoft, Roche, SAP, The Walt Disney Company and Unisys.

According to Marco Franceschi, President of Imageware: "The Italian market is one of the most important in Europe and joining IPREX is for us an additional step toward the internationalization of our structure and our business. Thanks to IPREX we will be able to advise companies of all our target markets and with a global offer."

IPREX President EMEA Christian Hannestad (The Communications Business, Edinburgh) said: "We're delighted to welcome another outstanding firm with a strong market position to the IPREX EMEA team. With 35 offices across the region we are seeing an increasing amount of collaboration between partners, and Imageware's experience and expertise fit well with Lead Communications and the wider network.

"They will enjoy working alongside their peers in some of the most successful independent PR firms in the world."

Anita Lissona, sole director of Lead Communication, remarked: "I am truly glad to share with such an eminent agency as Imageware the job of representing Italy in such a prestigious network as IPREX. I am sure our agencies, different and complementary in many respects, will realize the greatest synergies for PR activities that IPREX clients will plan in Italy".

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 103 offices in North and South America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia Pacific, with annual revenue of US$182m. Its 1,300 professionals provide a comprehensive range of services for some of the world's most successful companies.

Alaina Gjertsen (Director, the Americas): Alaina studied in Sub-Saharan Africa, China and Switzerland before working as an executive recruiter in Southern California, and then moving to Washington, D.C. where she directed a research program for an international trade association while earning her Master's at Georgetown University. She has since worked in public relations and public affairs capacities on both agency and client sides, most recently for the NYSE-traded energy company Continental Resources, Inc.

Thor Erling Lund (Director, EMEA): Thor has an MSc in International Marketing and long experience of working at a senior level on global brands such as MTV, Ryanair and Logitech. He lectures undergraduates and MBA students on strategy and PR at the Norwegian School of Management, and has served five years as the VP of NPRCA - the Norwegian Public Relations Consultants Association. His firm Consilio has been the Norwegian IPREX partner for 15 years.

Cameron Blair (Director, Asia Pacific): After living in Vancouver for 18 years, Cameron moved to South East Asia where he has worked for newspapers and magazines as a journalist and press photographer and run his own business. He is currently studying for an MBA.

The regional directors' role is to manage IPREX operations within their regions - handling enquiries from prospective partners and clients, streamlining contact with and between partners as they develop business together and representing partners' views to the Executive Committee.

IPREX President Worldwide Kathy Tunheim (Tunheim, Minneapolis) said "These appointments reflect our commitment to world-class professional internal management of our organization. Interactions between partners seem to be increasing exponentially, and as a network we are delivering more partner services than ever. The regional directors are an important part of a team dedicated to ensuring that partners receive a significant return on their investment with 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 102 offices in North and South America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia Pacific, with annual revenue of US$178m. Its 1,300 professionals provide a comprehensive range of services for some of the world's most successful companies.

Newell Public Relations, one of China’s leading specialists in technology and corporate PR has joined IPREX – the worldwide corporation of independent public relations and communication firms.

Twice nominated for PR Week Asia's “Consultancy of the Year” and three time winner of the coveted “Technology Campaign of the Year,” Newell will add full PR and marketing expertise across the breadth of China to IPREX’s already extensive global reach. 

Founded in Hong Kong in 1993, Newell has offices in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou with direct links to, and experience of managing large projects in, all of China’s major cities.  For the past several years, as China’s rapid pace of economic development reaches out to even the most remote areas of the country, Newell has expanded its focus to less well-known, but still rapidly expanding cities such as Suzhou, Hangzhou, Nanjing, Chongqing, Chengdu, Kunming, Wuhan and Xiamen.

While Newell’s roots are in technology, with retained clients including Adobe, CSR, Polycom, Ruckus Wireless and Tellabs, the firm has grown to embrace a wide range of business-to-business work in a broad spectrum of industries, from consumer to insurance and education.

According to David Croasdale, Managing Director of Newell Public Relations, more than 45 million jobs are targeted to be created in urban areas under China’s 12^th five year plan (2011-15). The OECD, he says, estimates that another 316m should move from the countryside to the cities in the next 20 years, creating solid support for infrastructure and commercial development.

“New opportunities are emerging as China switches from the highly successful producer model of the past 30 years to a flourishing consumer society,” said Croasdale. “Many multinational companies are looking to tap into this trend, especially as growth in traditional markets in the West remains tepid.

“We are delighted to be joining IPREX at this time and help overseas PR firms address their client demands for China expertise. This partnership will also be a valuable link for Chinese firms looking to expand their PR presence overseas,” he said.

IPREX Asia Pacific President Peter Wilkinson (Wilkinson Group, Sydney) commented: “We know Newell well already – and we’re looking forward to working with such an extensively networked team.

“Their outstanding business experience in China and the wider region will be extremely valuable to IPREX clients while the IPREX footprint provides global reach as well as a community of peers for Newell.”

IPREX in March held a two-day roundtable meeting in Hong Kong to discuss business opportunities in Asia, especially China.  Fourteen senior executives from eight agencies across the region attended, along with IPREX partners from the United States. A similar meeting is planned later this year. 

About IPREX

With revenue rising to $173m and the number of partner offices increasing from 83 to 96, 2010 was a solid year overall, while the value of client business won from within the network increased substantially, by 115%.

The Annual Meeting also confirmed the appointment of the first IPREX Executive Director - David Watson, a former UK partner and president worldwide, who has been closely involved with the organization since 1986.

The Global Board was reappointed for another year:

• President Worldwide: Kathy Tunheim (Tunheim Partners, Minneapolis)
• Secretary/Treasurer: John Scheibel (Scheibel Halaska, Milwaukee)
• President the Americas: Renzi Stone (Saxum PR, Oklahoma City)
• President EMEA: Christian Hannestad (The Communications Business, Edinburgh)
• President Asia Pacific: Peter Wilkinson (Wilkinson PR, Sydney).

Kathy Tunheim commented: "2010 was another growth year for us and we're projecting to do better still in 2011. But more important has been the increase in business between partners - up by 300 percent in our EMEA group for example - which demonstrates the value to clients not only of our global footprint but of our in-depth specialist knowledge across a range of industry sectors.

"We are further strengthening our sector teams with new communication structures, and I am particularly pleased to see more progress among specialist skill areas - our Public Affairs practice group also met in Washington in May."

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 100 offices in North and South America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia Pacific, with annual revenue of $175m. Its 1,300 professionals provide a comprehensive range of services for some of the world's most successful companies.

Founded in 1999 and based in Zagreb, Madison is now one of the country's largest firms in its sector and has built a reputation for linking effective strategy to defined and measurable results.

Working in public, private and non-profit sectors, the firm offers a comprehensive range of services including corporate communication, media relations, social media, crisis communication, financial consulting, internal communication, public affairs and marketing communication.

Madison has maintained a generalist approach to its client portfolio and has a highly-skilled team working on clients including Adris Group, the City of Rijeka, Nestlé, dm-drogerie markt, Erste Bank, IKEA, Gigaset Communications and Saab-Gripen Aeronautics.

With long experience of managing programs across borders in the region, the firm has particularly deep knowledge of Serbia and Bosnia.

Managing Director Mladen Hrgarek said: "We strongly believe that sharing knowledge and experiences is important for facing future challenges in our profession, therefore we are very pleased that Madison is recognized as a partner by the network of colleagues in IPREX."

IPREX EMEA President Christian Hannestad (The Communications Business, Edinburgh) commented: "With Croatia looking to become the EU's 28th member state we are delighted to welcome Madison to our expanding EMEA group, which now has 33 offices, from Dublin to Dubai.

"The IPREX global footprint will certainly help Madison make connections around the world on behalf of its clients, while our existing partners can be confident that their clients now have an extremely impressive resource ‘on the ground' in one of the region's emerging nations."

About IPREX

IPREX is one of the world's major corporations of independent public relations and communication firms. Founded in 1983, its 67 partners have 98 offices in North and South America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia Pacific, with annual revenue of $175m. Its 1,300 professionals provide a comprehensive range of services for some of the world's most successful companies.

Having failed to develop an open relationship with the media based on continuous engagement and hard facts, Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO), the electrical power company that owns the power plant in Fukushima, was in a difficult position when the crisis struck:

"During crucial early press conferences the company did not put forward a key spokesperson and did not set a firm agenda" comments Ms Ito. "This resulted in mixed and ill-coordinated messages. And by using vague language and little specific data, TEPCO failed to convey precise and critical information, which added to confusion among journalists. In turn, this led to considerable fear and anxiety among the public."

She adds that a consequence of this has been a huge upsurge in social media activity, with tools such as Twitter and Facebook enhancing social expression for members of the public, and allowing citizen journalism to flourish.

She traces the TEPCO approach back to the introduction of public relations to Japan 60 years ago by the advertising industry - as a "value-added service" rather than an effective communication methodology.

"Too many Japanese businesses continue to underestimate the power of public relations, and until now have not taken on board lessons learned around the world, especially in crisis communication" claims Ms Ito, who believes that the Japanese communication landscape is already evolving as a result of the nuclear disaster:

"We've all learned a lot about ourselves as a nation that is admirable. And we've also learned about how an open and continuous flow of communication can help individuals and families respond to such extreme adverse events."

About IPREX

IPREX is one of the world's major corporations of independent public relations and communication firms. Founded in 1983, its 67 partners have 88 offices in North and South America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia Pacific, with annual revenues of $140m. Its 1,300 professionals provide a comprehensive range of services for some of the world's most successful companies.

In 2008, 20 senior crisis communication consultants from IPREX co-authored "Crisis Communication: Practical PR strategies for reputation management and company survival" published by Kogan Page, combining an international view of best practices with a "how-to" approach.

Based in Tallinn, JLS works in internal communication, investor relations, media relations, sponsorship, social media and marketing communication, including brand management. The firm also has an established reputation in crisis communication.

Engaged in both public and private sectors, JLS currently works with such clients as British American Tobacco, Estonian Railways, Microsoft, RSA Insurance, the Estonian Bank Association, UniCredit Bank and the Estonian Maritime Museum.

The three founding partners had all held senior positions on the client side - in banking, media and marketing - before establishing JLS, and place great emphasis on delivering outstanding client service and return on investment.

Executive Director Karin Vene, whose experience includes work with the European Commission and the United Nations, said: "We are very delighted to join a group of high level professionals and share the worldwide experience with our clients. We deeply value the IPREX strategic approach and mindset towards communication and we are looking forward to enriching co-operation."

IPREX EMEA President Christian Hannestad (The Communications Business, Edinburgh) commented: "The Baltic States are increasingly engaged internationally, so we are particularly pleased to welcome JLS to our expanding EMEA group, which now has 32 offices, from Dublin to Dubai.

"We have been very impressed by the team's strategic approach but also by their award-winning creative delivery and in-depth knowledge of the business, political and cultural environment right across the region. Their focus on client service and relationship management is fully aligned with the IPREX mindset and our partners around the world look forward to working with them."

About IPREX

IPREX is one of the world's major corporations of independent public relations and communication firms. Founded in 1983, its 67 partners have 88 offices in North and South America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia Pacific, with annual revenues of $140m. Its 1,300 professionals provide a comprehensive range of services for some of the world's most successful companies.

In addition Q&R's analytical methodology has delivered particular value to clients working with ISO 9001:2000 certification - a quality management system based on continuous improvement and designed to ensure that products meet strict customer and regulatory requirements.

The firm's client base is mainly in the B2B environment, operating in various sectors such as: business and professional associations; trade and services; sport, tourism and leisure; energy; industry and distribution; transport and infrastructure; paper & pulp, and includes companies listed on NYSE Euronext.

Co-founder João Reis said: "We have great expectations of IPREX. Now we have the opportunity to share knowledge and best practices developed by a worldwide organization with the dimension and credibility of IPREX, and this represents a real asset for us, not only technically but also in terms of future business partnerships. From our side, we will be fully committed, and we will do our best to full fill partners' expectations and add value to the organization taking our experience and knowledge of our market."

IPREX EMEA President Christian Hannestad (The Communications Business, Edinburgh) commented: "Despite the continuing macroeconomic challenges in southern Europe, Q&R has further strengthened its position by delivering a good return on investment for their clients.

"While they understand very well the importance of media work, their skill in identifying and exploiting unique combinations of communication channels, client by client, resonates perfectly with the IPREX approach. Our global footprint brings their expertise to a wider audience."

About IPREX

IPREX is one of the world's major corporations of independent public relations and communication firms. Founded in 1983, its 66 partners have 87 offices in North and South America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia Pacific, with annual revenues of $140m. Its 1,300 professionals provide a comprehensive range of services for some of the world's most successful companies.

Award-winning Brussels agency Whyte Corporate Affairs has joined IPREX – the worldwide corporation of independent public relations and communication firms.

Whyte Corporate Affairs is an independent communication agency specializing in corporate affairs and focusing primarily on corporate communication and public affairs, with a particular emphasis on crisis and issues management work.

Established in September 2008 by partners Sandrine Agie, Joris Bulteel, Eveline De Ridder and Emmanuel Goedseels, the agency now has 16 consultants, and in December 2010 was named European ‘Newcomer Agency of the Year’ in the Excellence Awards run by Communication Director, the magazine for corporate communication and PR in Europe.

The company has built its reputation in both the public and private sector on a high added-value approach based on strategic analysis by an experienced and specialized team.

Whyte’s blue-chip client portfolio includes AB InBev, AXA, Cargill, Danone, Eurostar, IKEA, Pfizer and the Belgian government’s Federal Crisis Center.

IPREX President EMEA Christian Hannestad (The Communications Business, Edinburgh) welcomed the new partner: "The Whyte business model with its dynamic, integrated approach is probably unique in the Belgian market. The firm’s team of consultants is world class, and brings senior level experience to bear on an impressive range of client challenges.

“Existing IPREX partners are delighted with Whyte’s deep knowledge of Belgium, combined with their extensive experience in working internationally – most of their clients are multinationals and they are headquartered in Brussels, at the heart of Europe.

“We’re extremely pleased to have added such a high-caliber firm in one of the world’s most influential cities. And of course we’re delighted to be able to offer them the global reach and high quality support that clients increasingly need.”

Whyte Corporate Affairs Partner Emmanuel Goedseels said: “During our first two years of existence, we deliberately focused on the local development of our team and client portfolio, building on existing relationships.  Today, we continue to focus on delivering quality to our current client base, but we are eager to extend our international scope by developing partnerships around the world. We are convinced that, by joining IPREX, we will be able to team up with the best partners in different markets. We look forward to exchanging expertise, best practices and client work with our new partners”. 

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 92 offices in North and South America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia Pacific, with annual revenues of $144m.  Its 1,325 professionals provide a comprehensive range of services for some of the world’s most successful companies.

The company's main areas of industry specialization are agriculture & food, healthcare, transport and logistics, technology and finance. Since its foundation in 2003 Futura PR has created a highly-regarded team, with a wide range of practice skills, for example in crisis communication, change management, M&A, environmental work, public awareness and media analysis.

The company has won several awards for its work, including a number of Prizma awards and an IABC Gold Quill. Its clients include Adecco, Aquasystems, Datacenter, Eli Lilly, Nokia, PokerStars, Pošta Slovenije and Raiffeisen Bank.

IPREX President EMEA Christian Hannestad (The Communications Business, Edinburgh) commented: "Slovenia is a key economy in south-eastern Europe and we are delighted to welcome Futura PR as partner. They have great knowledge of the region and bring considerable expertise to our group - I've been particularly impressed by their environmental work and their public awareness programs.

"IPREX not only has a strong European presence, but offers high quality strategic thinking and action worldwide. Dynamic firms like Futura PR use the breadth and depth of our organization to develop their businesses and deliver for their clients while acting as a highly professional resource ‘on the ground' for other partners' clients."

Futura PR Managing Director and Partner, Matjaž Klipšteter, said: "Being part of a strong professional and efficient network has a very important rôle in our efforts to support our clients with high standard services wherever they need them. We see IPREX as the best choice and I'm sure that our clients will share our opinion."

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 90 offices in North and South America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia Pacific, with annual revenues of $144m. Its 1,325 professionals provide a comprehensive range of services for some of the world's most successful companies.

Founded in 2003, TrainTracks is known for its strategic results-based approach to communication work, offering an integrated suite of techniques and delivery systems to both domestic and foreign-based multinational clients across the B2B and B2C service platforms.

Delivering comprehensive public relations consultancy and implementation, corporate and product branding, marketing communications, event management, and cross-media marketing, TrainTracks has also established a strong digital marketing practice.

The company's main areas of specialization are information technology, hospitality, fashion, automotive, education and the arts and culture industry.

IPREX President Asia Pacific Peter Wilkinson (Wilkinson PR, Sydney) commented: "Ambitious PR firms in our region are increasingly looking to expand their range of capabilities - not only geographically but by industry sector and practice skill. We have high expectations for 2011.

"The IPREX global footprint, combined with the breadth and depth of our partners' expertise, offers companies like TrainTracks the resources they need to develop their businesses. In addition, their clients now have access to high quality thinking and services ‘on the ground' in major markets worldwide.

"Welcome to IPREX, Train Tracks! Our existing IPREX clients have gained a high quality agency at the heart of one of the world's most influential economies."

TrainTracks founder and managing director Ms Yukiko Harada said: "It is a great honor for TrainTracks to join the IPREX global network of independent PR agencies. As the only member firm from Japan, we look forward to sharing our market intelligence with our IPREX partners and their clients and welcome the opportunity to enhance and expand our services in Japan through interaction and partnership with likeminded professionals in the IPREX network. "

About IPREX

IPREX is one of the world's major corporations of independent public relations and communication firms. Founded in 1983, its 71 partners have 90 offices in North and South America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia Pacific, with annual revenues of $144m. Its 1,250 professionals provide a comprehensive range of services for some of the world's most successful companies.

To develop this thesis he drew on research by the Altagamma Foundation, established in 1992 to strengthen the global presence and growth of its member companies - which own some of the world's most successful luxury Italian brands.

Based on this view of the marketplace, the Foundation and its members have successfully become major players in the international luxury market, now generating 80 per cent of turnover outside Italy.

The three tiers of the luxury market are defined as accessible, aspirational and absolute:

Accessible luxury (brands such as Burberry and Tiffany & Co): a market segment in which opinion formers need to be in constant contact with the target audience concentrating messages on product performance characteristics. One of the main communication tools is advertising, closely integrated with PR and events.

Aspirational luxury (brands such as Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent): a segment based on an imitative process - from opinion leaders and trendsetters to the customer base. In addition to performance characteristics, the marketing messages are enriched by aesthetic, stylistic, artistic and design content. The goal is to re-create the emotional and creative world of the brand, containing the cultural and psychological references that justify the price. Here, the communication focus switches to PR and events, with advertising playing a supporting role.

Absolute luxury (brands such as Hermes and Brioni): a similar approach to the aspirational segment but with an even greater importance attached to building the brand's emotional environment. Messages about product characteristics are now in the background, as aesthetic content dominates the positioning and the aim is to generate a perception of exclusivity. Advertising is not used with these products and communication programs are driven by PR and events.

IPREX EMEA President Christian Hannestad (The Communications Business, Edinburgh) commented: "This analysis of the development of international luxury branding demonstrates the importance of working closely with high quality partners in markets around the world. Continuous research has fine-tuned the approach of the Foundation's members, delivering strong brand positioning in diverse markets 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 89 offices in North and South America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia Pacific, with annual revenues of $142m. Its 1,300 professionals provide a comprehensive range of services for some of the world's most successful companies.

The Desk

The Desk is a corporate PR specialist working across a broad range of sectors and with particular expertise in health, public services and the environment - especially sustainable development and renewable energy.

Offering a full service from corporate communication strategy through to program delivery, the firm has built its reputation on interdisciplinary teams whose members bring extensive experience in industry and media.

The Desk has a strong international track record and works with organizations based in France and elsewhere. Current clients include ANRU (National Agency for Urban Renovation), BBC World News, Campingaz (Coleman Group), Wyeth (the corporate foundation), Etablissement Français du Sang (the French blood institution) and Solairedirect (the leading solar power provider in France).

Co-founder Angélique d'Estève said : "We are very attached to the famous motto ‘Unity makes strength', and we also strongly believe in the benefits of globalization. That's why our team is very proud to join IPREX and to belong to this big and worldwide PR family. Thanks to this corporation, we all have a new capacity to exchange and work around the world with agencies who share the same values and backgrounds as us."

NewCap

NewCap is a financial and corporate communication firm working with small and mid cap companies listed in Europe and the US. Founded in 2000, it is organised around three areas of expertise: investor relations consultancy, financial public relations, and process and tools management.

NewCap's highly experienced consultants maintain a network of bankers, fund managers, sell-side and buy-side analysts, and financial journalists, and the firm has won two NYSE Euronext "Best Investor Relations & Financial Communications" awards for its IPO work in the last two years.

A member of the National Investor Relations Institute, NewCap has a wide-ranging client list including Bleecker, Bordier & Cie, Cliffs, Entrepose Contracting, Environnement SA, EuropaCorp, ESI Group, Immobilière Dassault, IMS International, Groupe Monceau Fleurs, Mastrad, Novagali Pharma, Novasep, ORPEA, Outremer Telecom, Safetic, Vivalis and Züblin Immobilière.

CEO Pierre Laurent commented: "Capital has never been more global, financial regulation more international. NewCap delivers effective financial and corporate communications within international regulatory constraints. We are happy to bring our experience of working for clients internationally for effective cross-border PR within the IPREX network.

"We will be able to assure our clients access to independent, local firms possessed of the specialist skills needed to successfully communicate their messages in the world's key financial markets and address the growing need for integrated communications across a broad range of stakeholders."

IPREX EMEA President Christian Hannestad (The Communications Business, Edinburgh) welcomed The Desk and NewCap: "We're continuing to deepen our specialist services in IPREX EMEA in response to the evolving needs of our clients. The Desk and NewCap are both at home in the international arena and their high quality work and client focus fit very well with the approach of IPREX partners worldwide.

"Clients increasingly look for international perspectives and delivery, and the independent agencies in the IPREX EMEA group are profiting from our global footprint."

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 89 offices in North and South America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia Pacific, with annual revenues of $142m. Its 1,300 professionals provide a comprehensive range of services for some of the world's most successful companies.

Engaged in communication, research, education, promotion, institutional relations and legal affairs, the Altagamma Foundation offers a unique insight into building strong international brands through alliances.

The Milan meeting will also include a Senior Management Masterclass, led by Enrico Finzi, a prominent sociologist with Astra Ricerche who works with leading national and international companies. Finzi will examine the threats and opportunities facing PR firms as they come to grips with the changing business landscape.

IPREX EMEA President Christian Hannestad (The Communications Business, Edinburgh) commented: "International branding is a field in which our partners have a deep professional interest, and we are delighted to have someone with Mr Versaces' breadth of experience to guide our discussions on the subject.

"In addition, we look forward to Mr Finzi's perspective on a PR industry which has changed significantly over the last decade and which will need to adapt further to client demands for increased cost-effectiveness and accountability.

"These regular meetings make an important contribution to the benefits which IPREX partners derive from the organization. They keep us in touch with the latest thinking across a range of important fields and, crucially, with each other."

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 90 offices in North and South America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia Pacific, with annual revenues of $135m. Its 1,270 professionals provide a comprehensive range of services for some of the world's most successful companies.

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.