Intl PR group acquires Arcay Communications

The leading South African consultancy, with headquarters in Johannesburg, has an extensive affiliate network across Africa, covering more than 50 countries throughout the continent and was the Holmes Report's African Agency of the Year in 2009.

"Commitment to serving clients"

"Our decision to take this majority stake underlines the great importance of the African continent to our clients - and it offers us significant opportunities to expand our global business. This strategic move demonstrates our commitment to serving our clients in every part of the world," said Mark Penn, global CEO of Burson-Marsteller.

"Having founded the business over 20 years ago, I am very proud that it has now become a full member of the global network," said Robyn de Villiers, chairman and CEO of Arcay Burson-Marsteller. "This acquisition is the best demonstration of the group's faith in our work, our business and our region - and it offers huge opportunities for my team as part of the world's leading evidenced-based communications agency."

"Passion for evidence-based client work"

Jeremy Galbraith, CEO Burson-Marsteller Europe Middle East & Africa (EMEA), added, "The next decade will bring immense growth in the PR industry across Africa and we are committed to expanding our business on this continent. This is the leading consultancy in the region - offering seamless execution combined with local market expertise - and de Villiers and her team share our passion for evidence-based client work. The past four years have proved that we work extremely well together and I am delighted that de Villiers will be joining the EMEA leadership team."

Burson-Marsteller is a part of Young & Rubicam Brands, a subsidiary of WPP, one of the world's leading communications services network.