The Hanover executive committee with Avenir Global’s international managing partner Ralph Sutton. L-R back row: Jonty Summers, Michael Prescott, Katie Blower, Christian Hierholzer, Ian Chapman, Claire Sherry. L-R front row: Lorna Jennings, Andrew Harrison, Charles Lewington, Ralph Sutton, Gavin Megaw, Laura Roberts.
Avenir Global has today announced that it has acquired Hanover, an independent public relations consultancy based in London, UK.
Hanover, which has offices in London, Brussels, Dublin, Dubai and Abu Dhabi, will add to Avenir’s global footprint, which will now consist of 1,000 employees in 25 locations across North America, Europe and the Middle East.
Avenir says the new acquisition should “place the firm in the top 15 worldwide public relations agency ranking”, with an annual revenue of £125m.
The move is part of a strategic plan to build a powerhouse of specialist communications companies, confirms Avenir, which says the new acquisition builds on its recent buy of another London-based healthcare creative agency Cherry.
Avenir was already represented within the region with AXON Communications, which has office bases in London, Copenhagen, Zug, Brighton, New York and Toronto.
“We are building a powerful network of colleagues who are the best in their field and our goal is to provide our clients with bold thinking founded on research, insights and deep sector expertise,” said Ralph Sutton, International Managing Partner of Avenir Global.
“Hanover is hugely respected as one of the best and fastest growing agencies in the world and this transaction showcases our ambitions. In addition to an enhanced geographic footprint, there is a strong cultural alignment, which is critical to our teams working well together.
“The combined business in the U.K. places us among the country’s largest public relations consultancies; second in public affairs and first in healthcare.”
Founded in London in 1998 by CEO Charles Lewington, Hanover focuses on communications and public affairs disciplines, with expertise in healthcare.
The firm has a roster of pharmaceutical clients, including Eli Lilly, Novartis, Bristol Myers-Squibb, Roche and Takeda.
“Avenir Global provided a strong business case for joining forces to create an unrivalled worldwide team of specialist communications firms. We share a common belief in building a high degree of client service and expertise,” said Charles Lewington.
“By joining the Avenir Global network, we broaden our offering in insights and research, add impressive resources in creative and digital campaigning and execution, and can draw on additional scientific expertise in healthcare, food and drink, and energy. Our international clients also now have access to a strong presence in North America which will help us meet their international communications objectives.’