For Better Service And Expanding Global Client Base

Ketchum, one of the world’s largest global public relations consultancies, has announced it has acquired a majority stake in a leading agency in India. This move, which follows recent acquisitions in Greater China and Russia, further expands the agency’s global reach and advances its client service offering in markets with rapidly growing demand for communications services. 

Sampark PR, which is currently nominated as Indian Consultancy of the Year by the Holmes Report , was founded in 1994 by Bela Rajan and N.S. Rajan, who, as director and managing director, will continue to lead the India business and will retain a significant holding in the agency going forward. It will operate as Ketchum Sampark. In turn, Ketchum will provide greater access to international markets for blue-chip and burgeoning Indian companies and brands, many of which are turning to communications to help build and support their reputations.

“Today marks another important milestone for Ketchum as we continue to implement our global vision of providing consistently excellent communications service to our clients in the key business and communications markets where they operate,” said Ray Kotcher, senior partner and CEO, Ketchum. “Our investments over the past six months, in Russia, China and now India, are predicated on this strategy and fortify the foundation we have in place for our clients and our people. ”This partnership will significantly expand Ketchum’s presence in South Asia, complementing Ketchum’s strong network in the Asia-Pacific region which includes Greater China, Australia, Indonesia, Japan, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea and Thailand. 

Jon Higgins, Ketchum senior partner and CEO of international operations, said, “India occupies a powerful place in the world economy today. With more than 125 employees, Ketchum Sampark is renowned within the industry for its financial and corporate communications, investor relations, issues and crisis management, technology, brand marketing and infrastructure expertise. 

Ketchum Sampark handles a combination of Indian domestic clients and Ketchum global network clients across a broad range of industries, including automotive, finance, healthcare, technology and travel, among others. As part of the transaction, in addition to Bela Rajan and N.S. Rajan, the India operation’s board of directors will include Higgins, Robert Lorfink, senior partner, COO and CFO of Ketchum, and Tom Harrison, Chairman and CEO of Diversified Agency Services, a division of Omnicom Group. 

The leadership team of Bela Rajan, N.S. Rajan and Ajay Sharma, managing partner, will continue to manage the day-to-day operations of the agency in India.