Porter Novelli Acquires Voce Communications, Adding Significant New Strength In Technology Public Relations

NEW YORK, Feb. 24, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Global public relations leader Porter Novelli today announced that it has acquired Voce Communications, one of Silicon Valley's best-known and most-awarded technology agencies.

Voce is an integrated marketing and communications firm that has long been recognized as a pioneer in developing and using digital and social media platforms to drive action from audiences.  

The Voce acquisition strengthens Porter Novelli's presence in the Bay Area and bolsters its technology practice with new services.  For Voce, the acquisition will provide significant growth opportunities for its clients through access to new capabilities as well as Porter Novelli's global network, which spans 60 countries.

"Voce has earned a well-deserved reputation as a leader in creating digitally-powered communications campaigns," said Gary Stockman, CEO, Porter Novelli.  "Porter Novelli is similarly committed to integrated communications and social engagement.  Together we will provide clients with transformative campaigns that tell their story through a broad range of vehicles – including traditional public relations, social media marketing and sophisticated digital platforms.

"Voce's approach, its culture and its leadership dovetail perfectly with Porter Novelli, and our mission to use influence to produce real change for our clients," Stockman continued. "We look forward to putting our combined strengths to work for clients."

Voce was founded in 1999 by Richard Cline, David Black and Matthew Podboy.  As a result of the acquisition, Cline, Voce's president, will assume the role of global technology practice lead for Porter Novelli and also become a member of the firm's executive committee, reporting to Stockman.

"We are at an inflection point in Voce's development, and Porter Novelli is the right partner with the right offerings to complement our strengths," said Cline.  "Porter Novelli's global footprint, together with its leadership in integrated communications and social engagement – and our strengths in technology and social media – will combine to provide deeper services for our clients and greater opportunities for our staff.  This relationship is truly a win-win for both organizations," Cline added.

Cline was named one of Silicon Valley's "Who's Who" by the Silicon Valley Business Journal in 2009, and the company was nominated in that same year by the San Francisco Business Journal as one of the best places to work.  Also in 2009, the information technology journalism community ranked Voce number five among medium-sized top technology agencies in PR SourceCode.

About Porter Novelli

A global public relations leader, Porter Novelli was founded in 1972 and is a part of Omnicom Group Inc. (NYSE: OMC).  In 90 offices in nearly 60 countries, Porter Novelli combines the power of immersion with the rigor of research to create deep human insights that enable the agency to transform the opinions, beliefs and behaviors of those who matter most to its clients.  For additional information, please visit www.porternovelli.com.

About Voce Communications

Voce is an award-winning technology marketing and communications consultancy that was founded with the mindset that telling each company's story requires an agency partner that shares a high level of enthusiasm and passion, along with a diverse process to deliver that story.  For more information, please visit www.vocecommunications.com.

SOURCE Porter Novelli