Fleishman-Hillard Forms Strategic Partnership With Contagious Communications, a First for Public Relations Industry

ST. LOUIS, Oct. 4, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Fleishman-Hillard International Communications announced today that it has entered into a broad-based, multiyear strategic partnership with Contagious Communications, a leading U.K.-based marketing trends and insights consultancy. 

The partnership – a first for a firm in the public relations industry – encompasses a broad range of value-added services. As part of the partnership, Fleishman-Hillard gains access to continual feeds of exclusive original content, bolstering the firm's access to and involvement in creative leadership and innovation. The relationship also positions Fleishman-Hillard at the forefront of a rapidly evolving industry at a time when companies are faced with the conjunction of new and emerging technologies, increased fragmentation of communications and marketing platforms, and dramatic shifts in audience behaviors.

"This partnership is further proof of our commitment to creativity, innovation and the use of emerging technologies to meet our clients' needs," said Dave Senay, president and CEO of Fleishman-Hillard. "Our clients' worlds are more complex and demanding than ever before. Contagious will work with us to offer those clients breakthrough information, insights and inspiration that will help us deliver measurable impact on their performance."

By delivering exclusive original and curated content – and through its unique focus on the intersection of marketing, communication, technology and consumer culture – Contagious equips companies to better understand the multifaceted challenges that face them and translate that knowledge into strategies that create a competitive advantage.

"At Contagious, we're dedicated to supporting companies as they infuse creativity and innovative thinking into their business," said Simon Wylie, CEO of Contagious. "It's part of our role as catalysts of change. Therefore, we're delighted to have the opportunity to work closely with Fleishman-Hillard to help it drive innovative thinking across its broad global network."

Commenting on the quality of Contagious and its offerings, Chloe Saklow, content and production director, BBC Worldwide said: "We have worked with Contagious on a broad range of projects across genres as diverse as drama, comedy and entertainment. As well as being a joy to work with, what consistently sets Contagious apart is their curiosity, the quality of their thinking and the fact that the team is always brimming over with ideas. Long may the relationship continue!" 

In addition to the strategic partnership, Fleishman-Hillard has become the exclusive partner of Contagious' inaugural Most Contagious event, to be held Dec. 12 at Kings Place in London. Most Contagious 2012, "The Year in a Day," will explore and celebrate the key global trends, technologies and brand-funded innovations that were most disruptive during the past year, showcasing them during a full day's program of expert opinion, powerful insight and ground-breaking ideas.

"For the past five years, the Most Contagious annual report has looked at the most contagious and innovative ideas, trends and technologies of the year," said Paul Kemp-Robertson, editorial director and co-founder of Contagious. "It's highly anticipated and has become one of our strongest properties. We're excited to be working with Fleishman-Hillard to bring this celebration of creative contagiousness to life every year."

The multiyear agreement with Contagious will also give Fleishman-Hillard access to consulting services, original sector and industry-specific content generation, trend tracking, and targeted client-centric project work.

About Contagious Communications
Contagious is a London and New York-based intelligence resource and insight consultancy, focusing on future-facing marketing communications and the impact of emerging technologies and social media channels on brands. Since its founding in 2004, Contagious has become an indispensable strategic resource for brands and communications agencies around the world.

Contagious publishes an awarding-winning quarterly digest, offers a bespoke and expertly filtered intelligence and training service called Contagious Feed, and operates Contagious Insider, a dedicated consultancy and advisory service for agencies and brands.

For more information, please contact: Simon Wylie, CEO [email protected].

About Fleishman-Hillard
Fleishman-Hillard Inc., one of the world's leading strategic communications firms, has built its reputation on creating integrated solutions that 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, Africa and Latin America through its 80 owned offices. For more information, visit the Fleishman-Hillard website at www.fleishmanhillard.com. Fleishman-Hillard is a part of Diversified Agency Services, a division of Omnicom Group Inc.

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.

About Omnicom Group Inc.
Omnicom Group Inc. (www.omnicomgroup.com) is a leading global marketing and corporate communications company. Omnicom's branded networks and numerous specialty firms provide advertising, strategic media planning and buying, digital and interactive marketing, direct and promotional marketing, public relations and other specialty communications services to over 5,000 clients in more than 100 countries.

SOURCE Fleishman-Hillard Inc.