Edelman has announced today that it has acquired Smithfield Consultants, a top-tier financial and investor relations specialist.
Smithfield is a leading financial communications consultancy with capabilities in designing, advising and executing high-profile investor and media communications strategies in the UK and Europe. The firm has a successful track record in cross-border and domestic M&A and restructuring transactions, as well as IPOs and other capital raisings. Smithfield also has significant expertise in serving firms across the financial services and asset management industry.
Established in 1998, the team of 20 consultants are led by John Kiely who has over 25 years’ experience working as a consultant in financial communications. Their clients include blue-chip UK businesses and financial services firms as well as global brands. In the M&A space they most recently advised Ferrero on its acquisition of Thorntons and Brookfield on its successful offer for Songbird/Canary Wharf, as well as the acquisition of Center Parcs.
Edelman has industry-leading expertise across the full range of communications services, including corporate reputation, public affairs and brand PR through to digital, technology and healthcare communications. Smithfield adds a best-in-class capacity to provide financial communications for listed and unlisted companies, allowing Edelman to offer a fully integrated service, with specialists covering all critical stakeholders.
Ed Williams, CEO of Edelman UK and Ireland said: “This is a milestone event for Edelman in London and is a major contribution to the firm’s global financial services sector. The acquisition also complements the strong capital markets teams we have in North America and Asia and expands the firm’s transaction advisory and investor relations capabilities globally.”
“Smithfield Managing Director John Kiely and his team are a brilliant cultural fit with Edelman. Their unflappable, quiet, modest approach belies a deep knowledge and understanding of the financial services sector, an exceptional roster of clients and long-term relationships. We believe there is a very big opportunity for Smithfield to grow – not just in the UK, but by working with the Edelman network, bringing its expertise to bear on a global scale.”
“Being part of a highly successful and fast growing global business will be hugely attractive for our clients and our people as there is a clear benefit from the broader geographic reach and the complementary services that Edelman offers” said Kiely.
“We have been impressed by the Edelman team, we like their approach and commitment to develop a leading financial communications and capital markets offering with a strong financial services bench. We are looking forward to working with our new colleagues to grow the business both in Europe and internationally.”
Smithfield will maintain a separate brand identity within the Edelman structure and remain located at its own premises in the City of London.
About Edelman
Edelman is a leading global communications marketing firm that partners with many of the world’s largest and emerging businesses and organizations, helping them evolve, promote and protect their brands and reputations. Edelman was named one of Advertising Age’s “Agency to Watch” in 2014; one of Forbes’ “14 Most Influential Agencies of 2014”; and The Holmes Report’s “2013 Global Agency of the Year.” Edelman was awarded the Grand Prix Cannes Lion for PR in 2014 and was among Glassdoor’s “Best Places to Work” for the third time in 2014. Edelman owns specialty firms Edelman Berland (research) and United Entertainment Group (entertainment, sports, experiential), a joint venture with United Talent Agency. Visit http://www.edelman.com for more information.
About Edelman UK
As the number one agency in the UK, a team of brand, reputation and digital strategists drive award winning creative communication programmes. Edelman has deep expertise in consumer trends, research, analytics and insights, corporate reputation, health, technology, crisis, energy, and government affairs.
Edelman has been awarded thirteen Cannes Lions including the Grand Prix for PR in 2014. Edelman has been voted Pan-EMEA Consultancy of the Year at the 2015 Sabre Awards, Global Agency of the Year and Best Agency to work for 2013 by the Holmes Report and International Agency of the Year 2013 by the PRCA and is a 2015 Sunday Times Best Company to Work For. Please visit www.edelman.co.uk for further information.
About Smithfield Consultants
Smithfield is a specialist financial media and investor communications consultancy with a long track record of delivering valuable public relations advice and successful campaigns. It has significant expertise advising on cross-border and domestic M&A and restructuring transactions as well as IPOs and other capital raisings, working with UK and international companies, of all sizes, across all sectors of the market. Smithfield is also recognised as one of the leading consultancies specialising in financial services, with expertise in designing, advising on and executing high profile investor and media strategies for some of the most respected names in the financial services sector. http://www.smithfieldgroup.com/
For more information contact
Vanessa Pymble
vanessa.pymble@edelman.com