Llorente & Cuenca makes first US acquisition with EDF
Spanish-owned agency Llorente & Cuenca bought its first US agency on Wednesday, acquiring 70 per cent of Miami-based EDF Communications, a firm with offices in Mexico, Colombia, Argentina, Chile, Brazil and Costa Rica. EDF’s founder and CEO, Erich de la Fuente, will become CEO of Llorente & Cuenca’s US operations and partner of the global firm. Click here to read more on this story.
Visit California puts French and German marketing out to tender
Visit California, the organisation charged with boosting tourism to the Golden State, is looking for marketing help in France and Germany. The group recently released solicitations for marketing services in the two countries. The non-profit is seeking an "in-market specialist for marketing and sales representation", according to search documents. A prospective budget for an agency partner working in France is valued at $800,000 (£535,163) and would run from 1 July 2016 through to 30 June 2017, with five annual renewal options, according to the RFP. The contract for representation in Germany is anticipated to be $850,000 (£568,434) for the same period of time. Click here to read more on this story.
MSD hires Lexington Comms health chief Jessica Fine to head PR function
US-based healthcare company MSD has hired Jessica Fine, currently head of the health team at Lexington Communications, as UK executive director, external affairs. Her remit will cover public affairs, policy and therapy area comms, external and internal comms. She starts her role in April 2016, replacing Kate Tillett, who retires early next year.
Virtual Jukebox signs up Fleet Street Communications
Virtual Jukebox, the interactive music service aimed at the leisure, hospitality and retail sectors, has hired Fleet Street Communications as it targets UK growth. Fleet Street Communications’ role will involve securing listings within the hospitality and retail sectors and building the brand’s profile. Virtual Jukebox uses cloud technology to let venue owners access music libraries, with an interactive offer that allows customers to select the music at a venue via their smartphones.