BORDER LINES: Weber Shandwick buys two agencies

MILAN: Fresh from the announcement of its new status as the largest PR agency in the world, Weber Shandwick Worldwide has gone on a shopping spree in Italy, buying two financial agencies, Massmedia Partners and Bridge Editore. Under the deal, Massmedia's MD Andrea Garbarino becomes vice-chairman of Shandwick's existing Italian operation while Furio Garbagnati, Shandwick Italia CEO, will now serve as chairman of Massmedia. Both Massmedia and Bridge Editore will continue to trade separately under the deal.