INTERNATIONAL: Ogilvy takes over Paris-based AKKA to boost network

PARIS: Ogilvy PR Worldwide has snapped up French PR firm AKKA for

an undisclosed sum.

The deal adds to Ogilvy's 48-strong global network of offices and

affiliates.

Latest figures show that Paris-based AKKA, which was founded in 1994,

generated revenues of £1.1m in 2000.

AKKA has 22 staff and a client-list that includes Deloitte Consulting,

Pernod Ricard and Sony.

The office will continue to be headed by joint AKKA MDs Jane Goodman and

Lorraine d'Huart, who will report to Ogilvy Europe president Nick

May.

The AKKA brand name is to be phased out, with staff working under the

Ogilvy PR Worldwide banner.

Much of Ogilvy's expansion this year has been in Asia Pacific. Earlier

this month, the New York-headquartered agency opened an office in

Vietnam. In April it took an equity stake in Australian public affairs

specialist Parke & Partners.