Grows German operation at scale and significantly expands European network
Edelman has announced today that it has acquired ergo Kommunikation, a leading German communications consultancy with expertise in corporate, financial and political communications. The partnership between the two companies will result in a newly formed agency which will operate under the name Edelman.ergo.
ergo Kommunikation has a strong track record in corporate and financial communications for the financial industry, technology-oriented medium-sized businesses, energy and media management as well as service enterprises. In Germany, Edelman has had a strong focus on brand and product communication as well as reputation management within the consumer and food industry, pharmaceutical, health services and IT sectors. The formation of Edelman.ergo unites the expertise and strengths of the two, allowing the new firm to offer fully integrated communications solutions, to truly impact the future of clients’ businesses and evolve their brands.
Richard Edelman, President and CEO of Edelman explained: “The acquisition of ergo marks another milestone in Edelman’s successful strategy of becoming a fully integrated communications marketing agency. Prior to the acquisition of Ergo, Edelman Germany was noted for its marketing leadership and Ergo now brings world-class capabilities in corporate reputation and public affairs. Edelman has been in Germany for over forty years and this additional investment confirms our confidence in the German economy and business innovation. This will be our fourth acquisition in Europe in the past 18 months as we partner with clients to evolve their businesses and brands in Europe and around the world.”
As a combined entity Edelman.ergo has approximately 350 employees serving more than 100 clients from offices in Hamburg, Berlin, Cologne, Frankfurt and Munich. Together, the two companies reach a fee income of roughly 35 million euros, making them the number four agency in the German market.
ergo founders Hans Ulrich Helzer and Tobias Mündeman said of the partnership: “The fact that the worldwide leading communications marketing agency has asked us to become a part of their network makes us incredibly proud. After 20 years of strengthening our position in Germany, this is a fantastic opportunity to take that next step, which will enable us to offer our clients access to a truly global network.”
The acquisition of ergo is part of Edelman’s larger strategy to strengthen the European network and expand specialisms in core markets. Michael Stewart, CEO of Edelman’s Europe & CIS region, said “With this acquisition we are now putting our ambitious growth plans for Germany in place. ergo’s service portfolio perfectly complements our existing business in Germany and, even more importantly, we have the same company culture and standards when it comes to commitment to our clients and the quality of our work. I am thrilled we will be partnering with ergo as we continue to grow our German operation at scale across the full communications marketing spectrum.”
Susanne Marell, CEO Edelman Germany, who has overseen the acquisition, will become the CEO of the combined operation. The two ergo founders and chief partners, Hans Ulrich Helzer and Tobias Mündemann, as well as the other key ergo associates, will also be part of the combined company’s senior leadership.
For more details please contact:
Vanessa Pymble
Vanessa.pymble@edelman.com