Ketchum and maslansky + partners Form Joint Venture in Europe

LONDON and PARIS, May 30, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Ketchum, a leading global communications consultancy, and maslansky + partners (m+p), the world's only research-driven messaging firm specializing exclusively in language strategy, today announced a joint venture based in London and Paris to serve clients across Europe and the EMEA region. Ketchum Maslansky EMEA will enrich the current service offering each firm provides its clients.

In an era when people are bombarded by thousands of marketing messages, connecting with – and being heard by – key audiences has never been more challenging. m+p brings a disciplined, scientific approach to understanding what to say and how to say it so companies can be confident their broader marketing and communication spend drives the intended results.  Using its proprietary research methodology to measure real-world, emotional reactions to what brands, CEOs and industries are trying to communicate, m+p provides clients insight into exactly the right language to use. From advertising campaigns to Twitter, public relations and public affairs to brand positioning, m+p has helped clients around the world optimize the impact of their communication across channels, challenges and industries.

"Our company is founded on the simple idea that It's Not What You Say, It's What They Hear™," said Michael Maslansky, CEO of m+p. "We have a proven track record of applying our proprietary technology to help companies and individuals find the right language to transform the impact of their communications and marketing. We call it maximizing their 'Return on Messaging.' Combining the right language with Ketchum's award-winning work to help clients stand out and break through has proven an unbeatable combination in the U.S. and will create a new and unparalleled market offering in Europe."

"Ketchum is continually looking for ways to enrich the range of expertise and, therefore, the value that we can deliver to our clients," said David Gallagher, CEO of Ketchum Europe. "Our partnership with m+p will allow us to combine our complementary services to deliver a sophisticated and unique offering that works across traditional and social media channels and is grounded in research, which is precisely what CMOs and communications executives today tell us they are seeking."

Keith Yazmir, partner and managing director of EMEA at m+p, and David Gallagher, senior partner and CEO of Europe at Ketchum, will lead the venture, which will be based at:

Ketchum Maslansky EMEA is the latest in a series of innovative partnerships announced by Ketchum to cover a diverse range of client needs. Other partnerships include one with Kenyon International, which brings clients the first truly integrated global crisis, disaster management and communications offer, and one with The Modellers, which creates a unique global marketing analytics offering.

Ketchum and m+p are both part of the Omnicom Group and have a long history of working together to serve clients in various geographies.

About maslansky + partners
maslansky + partners is the world's only research-driven messaging firm to focus exclusively on language strategy. Based on the concept that It's Not What You Say, It's What They Hear™, m+p works with brands, CEOs, industries and politicians to develop the right language, narratives and messages to change target audience perceptions. Whether supporting advertising, PR, branding, employee communication or public affairs, m+p applies its pioneering research methodology to harness the role emotion plays in how people actually interpret messages and language and to help clients maximize the impact of their marketing and communication spend.  maslansky + partners, a part of Diversified Agency Services, a division of Omnicom Group Inc, has offices in New York, Washington, D.C., London and Paris. www.maslansky.com

About Ketchum
Ketchum is a leading global communications firm with operations in more than 70 countries across six continents. Named 2012 PR Agency of the Year (PRWeek) and the winner of an unprecedented three consecutive PRWeek Campaign of the Year Awards, Ketchum partners with clients to deliver strategic programming, game-changing creative and measurable results that build brands and reputations. For more information on Ketchum, a part of Diversified Agency Services, a division of Omnicom Group Inc., visit www.ketchum.com.

About Diversified Agency Services
Diversified Agency Services (DAS), a division of Omnicom Group Inc. (NYSE:OMC) (www.omnicomgroup.com), manages Omnicom's holdings in a variety of marketing communications disciplines. DAS includes over 200 companies, which operate through a combination of networks and regional organizations, serving international and local clients through more than 700 offices in 71 countries.

SOURCE Ketchum