Bigger bang for Saatchi

Clare Kermond February 10, 2012

GLOBAL advertising leader M&C Saatchi has expanded its Australian operation to include public relations, with the acquisition of local agency Bang PR.

Bang PR, set up seven years ago in Sydney, specialises in brand direction, media relations, event management and social and digital media promotions.

The high-profile agency's clients include Cadbury, National Australia Bank, Optus and Universal Pictures.

The move by M&C Saatchi Australia is the global network's third market to invest in public relations, following similar acquisitions in London and New York.

M&C Saatchi Worldwide chairman Tom Dery said the company had been looking to integrate public relations into the Australian network for some time. ''We've talked to a lot of people and agencies, Bang stood out on both counts. It's a natural move for PR to complement M&C Saatchi's integrated advertising, digital, design, brand development and sport & entertainment agency offerings,'' he said.

M&C Saatchi has 26 offices in 18 countries. In Australia it operates a range of companies including M&C Saatchi, digital agency Mark and sports strategy agency M&C Saatchi Sport.

Bang PR managing director Narelle Craig said joining the M&C Saatchi network was ''an incredible opportunity for the agency … It's an exciting time for everyone involved and we're looking forward to working with the M&C Saatchi team on upcoming projects.''