Leading public relations companies to merge

TWO of the country’s leading public relations companies have agreed to merge.

Heneghan Public Relations said, effective from January, it will combine its business with Park Communications. The deal brings together two of the PR industry’s best known names. Heneghan can trace its roots back to 1980, while Park Communications was set up two years later.

Nigel Heneghan, managing director of Heneghan PR, said the consistent success of both companies in terms of delivering for clients provides a solid platform for the further positive development of the newly merged business.

“This initiative will succeed because of the similarities in our corporate and professional cultures, combined with our mutual desire to maintain the highest standards in client service and delivery,” added Park Communications founder Seán Ó Riordáin.

Among the clients of the combined business are: Larry Goodman’s Irish Food Processors, AXA Insurance, Conduit, Beamish & Crawford, John Sisk & Son, Flogas, ADM Londis, National Toll Roads and drinks group Pernod Ricard.

The company will be run by Mr Heneghan with Mr Ó Riordáin on the board.

Neither side disclosed how the equity in the combined firm will be split. Rachel Watchorn, a shareholder and director of Heneghan PR, has been appointed deputy managing director of the company.