NEW YORK: Publicis moved to bulk up its public relations efforts this week, confirming the acquisition of New York shop Geltzer & Company, in addition to the formation of a new marketing unit, Nelson Communications Worldwide.
NEW YORK: Publicis moved to bulk up its public relations efforts this week, confirming the acquisition of New York shop Geltzer & Company, in addition to the formation of a new marketing unit, Nelson Communications Worldwide.
Geltzer, a 25-year-old independent firm, counts the wireless messaging unit of Motorola and Sony's disc manufacturing business among its clients, recording revenues of dollars 2.9 million in 1999.
Geltzer will move its 25-strong staff to Publicis Dialog's offices and is expected to bring its consumer electronics business with it.
'This helps us gain critical mass,' said Publicis Dialog president Andy Hopson.
The Geltzer purchase makes founders Howard and Sheila Geltzer executive principals. Hopson refused to reveal terms of the deal, but said that the combined firm is expected to post annual PR revenues of dollars 7.5 million.
Publicis Dialog also welcomed a new PR brand into its family last week when parent company Publicis confirmed its purchase of Nelson Communications Worldwide (PRWeek, November 6, 2000).
Nelson Communications houses PR brand Sciens Worldwide and will also incorporate Saatchi & Saatchi Healthcare, Publicis Wellcare and the Healthcare Resources Group.
Nelson Communications president and CEO Thomas Moore told PRWeek that the deal would see an expansion of Sciens Worldwide PR, which is headed by president and COO Kathy Cripps.
Publicis claims Nelson will now be number one in global healthcare marketing and communications services.
Hopson added that Publicis Dialog will work with Saatchi & Saatchi's Rowland Company and Sciens Worldwide PR. The agencies will stay separate to minimize client conflicts.
Publicis Dialog is currently pitching alongside ad agency Saatchi & Saatchi to win an account from pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly.
