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LEWIS PR buys European independent agency Leads United

agency adds 39th office to support global expansion

October 28, 2009

LEWIS PR today announced the acquisition of one of Europe’s best-known communications firms, Leads United. LEWIS is acquiring a 100 per cent stake. The company will continue to operate under its brand name, but will be fully integrated into the LEWIS Group and report into the LEWIS Western European HQ operation, located in Eindhoven.

Leads United is a full-service agency, specialising in internal communications, crisis communications and media relations, with a strong high-tech and Internet portfolio. The agency works with major-league clients in a wide range of sectors, government bodies and non-profit organisations. Together, Leads United and LEWIS form one of the largest and most experienced agencies in the region.

The new LEWIS Group company will continue to be run out of Antwerp by Dian Wahlen, founding director of the agency. Yvonne van Bokhoven, VP Western Europe at LEWIS, will coordinate the Benelux businesses to ensure maximum synergy.

“This is a significant announcement for LEWIS in Europe, as Leads United represents some great brands such as IBM, eBay, Samsung, Symantec and Rabobank, and has a leading edge approach to digital media and creative services,” said Yvonne van Bokhoven. “The agency has one of the best reputations in the region, and a fantastic track record, so we are delighted to have them as part of our Benelux proposition and network.”

“With this step we have completed our strategic goal of internationalising the business. We are convinced that this will bring us added value for our staff and our clients. Many of our clients are looking to expand across border, and the LEWIS global network provides a perfect infrastructure to make this happen,” said Dian Wahlen. “LEWIS and Leads United share a common vision and the services we offer are complementary. We foresee that the integration therefore will be both seamless and successful.”

Under the terms of the deal, the Leads United brand will remain for the foreseeable future.

Executive quote

“This is a significant announcement for LEWIS in Europe, as Leads United represents some great brands such as IBM, eBay, Samsung, Symantec and Rabobank, and has a leading edge approach to digital media and creative services,” said Yvonne van Bokhoven. “The agency has one of the best reputations in the region, and a fantastic track record, so we are delighted to have them as part of our Benelux proposition and network.”

Customer quote

“With this step we have completed our strategic goal of internationalising the business. We are convinced that this will bring us added value for our staff and our clients. Many of our clients are looking to expand across border, and the LEWIS global network provides a perfect infrastructure to make this happen,” said Dian Wahlen. “LEWIS and Leads United share a common vision and the services we offer are complementary. We foresee that the integration therefore will be both seamless and successful.”

About the company

About LEWIS PR
LEWIS specialises in global media relations, including creative services, social media, new media services, analyst relations, European public affairs, media training and event management for companies in Europe, Asia Pacific and North America. It is headquartered in London with wholly-owned subsidiaries in Antwerp, Bangalore, Barcelona, Boston, Bristol, Budapest, Copenhagen, Düsseldorf, Eindhoven, Frankfurt, Hong Kong, Lisbon, Los Angeles, Madrid, Manchester, Milan, Munich, Mumbai, New Delhi, New York, Oslo, Paris, Prague, San Diego, San Francisco, San Jose, Seattle, Shanghai, Singapore, Stockholm, Sydney, Tokyo, Warsaw and Washington DC. The company has one of the fastest growth rates in its sector. LEWIS has a turnover currently of more than $31 million and employs over 250 staff.

Contact details

For further information about LEWIS PR, please contact Sarah Beavis on
Tel: +44 (0)20 7802 2626
Email: sarahbeavis@lewispr.com
Web site: http://www.lewispr.com

Technorati tags: LEWIS | acquisition |

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