PARIS: French marketing services giant Publicis is poised to announce an addition to its PR assets with the acquisition of independent US network Nelson Communications.
Publicis already houses Publicis Dialog and gained parts of The Rowland Company, now called Rowland Communications, through its acquisition of Saatchi and Saatchi earlier this year. It is unclear how Publicis would incorporate a third PR company.
Nelson is known for its PA expertise and its healthcare work through division SCIENS Worldwide.
Nelson Communications was number 61 in the PR Week US rankings, with 1999 fee income of pounds 4.4 million.
Nelson indicated an announcement could be due soon. A senior Publicis source said: 'We are very excited about Nelson being part of the network now.'
Publicis CEO Maurice Levy said in September that he wanted to acquire specialised marketing services agencies.
