Ketchum and TBWA\RAAD\PR Create Joint Venture in Middle East; Firm Will be Known as Ketchum Raad Middle East

Ketchum, one of the world's leading public relations agencies, and TBWA/RAAD/PR, the fast-growing communications network in the Middle East, today announced the formation of a joint venture agreement to deliver enhanced capabilities to clients in the region and internationally. Since 2006, TBWA/RAAD/PR has operated as the exclusive affiliate for Ketchum in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). The new firm, Ketchum Raad Middle East, will operate in 14 cities spanning 12 countries, with offices in the United Arab Emirates (Dubai and Abu Dhabi), Qatar, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia (Jeddah and Riyadh), and affiliated offices in Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Jordan, Lebanon, Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia.

"Today, organizations around the world value the competitive advantage that well-executed, integrated public relations and communications programs deliver and see these as a key component of the mix," commented Raymond L. Kotcher, senior partner and CEO, Ketchum. "On the one hand, clients are demanding that their agencies deliver efficient and effective service at local and regional levels, and on the other hand it must be integrated globally - across time zones, geographies, languages and cultures. We're fortunate to be among the few agencies in the world in a position to do just that."

Jon Higgins, Ketchum senior partner and CEO of international operations, said, "The Middle East is an increasingly important region for our clients, with an excellent growth trajectory, and we are thrilled to have the opportunity to invest with a partner. We're excited to be partnering with a firm that has demonstrated a first-class approach to public relations. As leading companies and brands, our clients have a growing need for creative, business-driving public relations expertise to meet the demands of this burgeoning public relations market. As Ketchum Raad Middle East, we can deliver. We look forward to working together to help our clients communicate effectively across the MENA region, and globally, to help them reach their business goals."

Building on the excellent collaboration already under way on behalf of several clients, Ketchum Raad Middle East will work closely to define a MENA expansion strategy. The two partners bring resources and assets to a market with a demonstrated appetite for strategic PR. They offer best-in-class services in corporate communications, crisis and change management, and consumer (brand) marketing, along with a commitment to high-caliber talent to service a portfolio of some of the world's top brands and corporations in the automotive, aviation, technology, professional services, food and beverage, and pharmaceutical sectors.

"The fit is perfect and the timing is right for TBWA/RAAD/PR to take our well-established relationship with Ketchum to the next level," said Ramzi Raad, TBWA/RAAD chairman and CEO. "More and more we see companies in the MENA region placing public relations at the heart of their marketing programs, and the new company of Ketchum Raad Middle East is ideally placed to offer client advice and insight."

"Our TBWA/RAAD/PR team adds a significant level of expertise across Arab markets and a professional approach that aligns exceptionally well with Ketchum's collaborative culture and creativity," said Hania Tabet, managing director, Ketchum Raad Middle East. "We look forward to offering our clients additional strategic and creative thinking and greater access to international markets."