MSLGroup wins United Technologies global PR pitch

Posted to the Holmes Report here

United Technologies Corporation (UTC), the giant US tech conglomerate, has selected MSLGroup to oversee a new global PR brief, following a keenly-contested review.

The Holmes Report understands that MSLGroup prevailed against a number of contending networks, including Porter Novelli, Burson-Marsteller and Ogilvy PR. The strategic PR brief, valued at as much as $1 million, focuses on North America and emerging markets, including China.

Logica poised to pick lead European PR agency

Posted to the Holmes Report here

UK tech company Logica is expected to select an agency to lead its pan-European PR business, after narrowing its search to a final round shortlist.

It is understood that the brief, covering six European markets, is worth approximately $750,000. UK incumbent Bite Communications, and Lewis PR are understood to be in the fray, following a pitch that has also included at least two other agencies.

VIDEO: John Orme on the importance of social media for B2B engagement in China

In Beijing last week I caught up with John Orme, president of Porter Novelli’s China joint venture, Shunya International. While social media is often viewed as a consumer engagement tool in Western markets, things are a little different in China, where niche bulletin boards proliferate.

In the video below, Orme explains why social media is fast gaining particular importance when it comes to reaching B2B audiences in China.

Porter-Novelli and Voce win Hitachi GST global account

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Hitachi storage unit Hitachi Global Storage Technologies (GST) has selected Porter-Novelli and Voce Communications to handle its lucrative international PR business, following a pitch that displaced incumbent agency Weber Shandwick.

The two agencies pitched together for the brief, which covers North America and EMEA and is estimated in the seven-figure range.

Cisco consolidates European PR with Octopus

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Tech company Cisco Systems has consolidated its £600K European PR activity with UK firm Octopus Communications, following a pitch that displaces existing pan-European incumbent Brands2Life.

Octopus already handled Cisco’s UK and Ireland business. Earlier this year, the Holmes Report revealed that Cisco was aiming to appoint a single agency to handle this component, together with its pan-European assignment, and PR for its Webex and Tandberg brands.

Bullish Dyson targets healthcare after Next Fifteen posts record profits

This story is posted to the Holmes Report website here

Next Fifteen CEO Tim Dyson has revealed that the holding group is to diversify beyond its technology offering into healthcare, after reporting encouraging earnings for its latest fiscal year.

Dyson told the Holmes Report that Next Fifteen is looking to acquire healthcare agencies in the £7 to £10 million range in either the US or UK. In an expansive interview, he also revealed why he cannot rule out the prospect of the holding company being sold, or even going private.

Colt selects Weber Shandwick for pan-European PR account

This story is posted to the Holmes Report website here

UK telecoms company Colt has handed its six-figure pan-European PR business to Weber Shandwick, in a move that sees it part ways with four-year incumbent Grayling.

The decision follows a pitch that was revealed by the Holmes Report earlier this year. It is understood that Weber Shandwick lined up against UK independent Octopus in the final stages of the pitch.

Samsung hands global smartphone brief to Edelman

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Samsung Electronics has selected Edelman to handle the PR component of a major marketing campaign that will launch the next generation of its Galaxy smartphone range.

A Samsung spokesperson confirmed the development, after the Holmes Report first revealed that the pitch was taking place in Korea. It is understood that the business will be housed within Edelman’s A&R subsidiary due to conflict with other brands, notably RIM.

AOL appoints Kaper in the UK

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Online giant AOL has called in new integrated PR consultancy Kaper to support its corporate and consumer communications.

The agency, which has only been in existence for three months, has been tasked with promoting AOL’s mission of being the web’s largest creator of digital content.

Global mobile body reviews comms

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The powerful trade association behind the Mobile World Congress has called a review of its global PR account, putting 15-year incumbent CC Group on alert.

The GSMA, the key association of mobile operators and related companies, has briefed a number of PR agencies for the pitch, which is taking place at its headquarters in London.