Merger to Drive International Expansion of Paul Wilmot Brand; Markets Under Consideration Include Los Angeles, London, and Tokyo
ST. LOUIS, Sept. 8, 2008 — Fleishman-Hillard International Communications announced today that it has finalized an agreement to purchase a majority interest in Paul Wilmot Communications, whose client roster includes some of the world’s most respected high fashion and lifestyle brands — including Calvin Klein, Oscar de la Renta, Tommy Hilfiger, M.A.C. Cosmetics, Sean John, and the American Ballet Theater.
The New York City-based agency will continue to serve clients under the Paul Wilmot brand, and will work with Fleishman-Hillard to expand that brand to other strategic markets. Initial markets under consideration include Los Angeles, London, and Tokyo.
“Bringing Paul’s strong brand and agency team into the Fleishman-Hillard family is a tremendous complement to two of our fastest-growing practices, entertainment and consumer marketing, as well as to our emerging luxury marketing practice,” said Dave Senay, Fleishman-Hillard’s president and chief executive officer. “Just as important, Paul and his colleagues are a wonderful fit with the Fleishman-Hillard culture of teamwork, client service, and entrepreneurship. This promises to be a terrific combination.”
“This firm also is a great strategic fit, not only with Fleishman-Hillard, but with a number of our colleagues across the Omnicom network,” said Paul Johnson, Fleishman-Hillard’s vice chairman for worldwide growth and president of public affairs. “It’s a big plus, as well, that this business category is particularly resilient in the face of economic fluctuations.”
“When we launched Paul Wilmot Communications nearly 12 years ago, we never imagined that one day we’d be part of an industry leader that will enable us to expand our brand globally,” said Wilmot, who will serve as managing partner and chief executive officer of Paul Wilmot Communications. “But what makes this really exciting is the fact that Fleishman-Hillard shares our commitment to working seamlessly with our clients, to bringing them strategic thinking and innovative opportunities, and to delivering real results. This is a great day for our clients and for our team.”
Financial terms of the merger were not disclosed.
Wilmot joined Calvin Klein, Inc., in 1985 as senior vice president for public relations and communications worldwide, and was the company’s chief information officer for nearly eight years — a period that saw the firm achieve expansive global growth and launch a number of new product categories.
In 1992, Wilmot joined Vogue magazine as director of public relations and communications. Two years later, he took on the additional post of vice president of public relations for Vogue’s parent company, Conde Nast Publications, reporting to president and CEO Steven T. Florio, and went on to help the company achieve record readership, advertising pages, and profitability.
In 1997, Wilmot joined forces with two former Calvin Klein colleagues, Stormy Stokes and Ridgely Brode, to create Paul Wilmot Communications. In 2007, Kate Doerge and Hampton Carney, both founding employees, were made partners in the firm. Today, the agency has a staff of 35, and serves clients through five divisions: Fashion; Beauty and Wellness; Accessories; Culture and Lifestyle; and Special Events. To learn more, visit www.paulwilmot.com.
Fleishman-Hillard Inc., one of the world’s leading public relations firms, has built its reputation by using strategic communications to deliver what its clients value most: meaningful, positive, and measurable impact on the performance of their organizations. The firm is widely recognized for excellent client service and a strong company culture founded on teamwork, integrity, and personal commitment. Based in St. Louis, the firm operates throughout North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East, South Africa, and Latin America through its 80 owned offices. For more information, visit the Fleishman-Hillard Web site at www.fleishman.com.
Fleishman-Hillard is a part of Omnicom Group Inc. (NYSE: OMC) (www.omnicomgroup.com). Omnicom is a leading global advertising, marketing, and corporate communications company. Omnicom’s branded networks and numerous specialty firms provide advertising, strategic media planning and buying, interactive, direct and promotional marketing, public relations, and other specialty communications services to more than 5,000 clients in more than 100 countries.
