Manning Selvage and Lee has acquired food and business to business
PR agency Handel Communications. The deal means that Kleshna Handel, the
founder of her nine-year-old independent agency, becomes managing
director of MS&L London.
She replaces Jackie Elliot who has just been promoted to executive
vice-president, director of global accounts, as well as retaining
overall control of the London office as chief executive.
The combined billing of the two companies will take MS&L to nearly
pounds 4 million in revenue. Handel’s fee in come last year was pounds
750,000.
Industry sources suggest that the deal has an element of earn out to
maintain relationships with key employees and clients of Handel’s, which
include Cafe Direct coffee, Marmite and Jacob’s biscuits.
Manning Selvage and Lee is becoming increasingly acquisitive. In July
1996 it merged with German agency Backhaus, Togotzes and Partner, and
bought healthcare specialist Joan Scott Public Relations in January
1995.
It is also believed to be negotiating to buy up its Italian affiliate
Mavellia.
Claire Spencer, shareholder and director of Handel Communications, will
take up the new position of planning director at MS&L.
Independent top 50 consultancies which have been bought in the past year
include: Charles Barker; Medical Action Communications; Scope; A Plus;
Buchanan; Westminster Communications and Fleishman-Hillard.
