US newswire service Business Wire is launching its first wholly-owned European operation, with a London office opening its doors this spring.
The office will add to the group's established network of 26 US offices and affiliates across Europe, Japan and Latin America.
'We're active in Europe right now, but as far as a Business Wire full presence, London will be first,' said Cathy Baron Tamraz, chief operating officer for the 40-year-old service.
According to Tamraz, the plans to open the London bureau come as a result of a shift in the regulatory environment, with European equity markets consolidating and adopting more stringent disclosure requirements.
'Our London office will position Business Wire to take advantage of the emerging opportunities created by these regulatory changes,' she said.
'As our business expands and the regulatory landscape develops, we anticipate additional expansion into Europe in the future.'
Tamraz said the office is part of a global strategy: 'We've been sending over our own US staff and spending a lot of time in the UK, Germany and France.'
