In an agreement that marks one of the largest mergers ever in the public relations industry, Ketchum and Pleon, Europe's largest strategic communications consultancy, have announced they will combine operations.

The merger creates one of the largest, most geographically diverse communications consultancies in the world, and by far the largest communications consultancy in Europe. The combined consultancy has more than 2,000 employees in owned operations and will now operate in 66 countries with 103 owned and affiliated offices worldwide.

"Today, organizations everywhere around the world value the competitive advantage that well-executed public relations and communications programs can deliver," explained Ray Kotcher, senior partner and CEO, Ketchum. "Clients are looking to their agencies for service that is effective and efficient at the local and regional level and consistent and seamlessly integrated globally - across time zones, geographies and cultures. In today's highly complex environment, clients also are looking for expert counsel and innovative communications solutions to help them meet their challenges and seize opportunities. By combining operations, we create a platform that ensures we will continue to deliver demonstrable value for our clients everywhere they do business and well into the future."

The firm will operate as Ketchum globally and as Ketchum Pleon across Europe. Ray Kotcher, senior partner and CEO, Ketchum, will retain leadership of the organization and Timo Sieg, who most recently served as chairman and CEO of Pleon, will be the company's CEO of Europe.
Global headquarters will be maintained in New York. The European headquarters will be located in Düsseldorf, Germany.