Two leading Cork PR firms merge

TWO of Cork’s leading PR and marketing firms have merged to form a group with a turnover of €5 million.

In a significant development O’Sullivan PR, which employs seven people, is to merge its interests with H+A Marketing, pushing total employment in the enlarged company to more than 30.

O’Sullivan PR managing director, Ann-Marie O’Sullivan, is to take a significant minority stake in the enlarged group which has a major growth strategy for the next three years.

It is understood that no money has changed hands as a result of the deal.

Commenting yesterday H+A executive director Pat Kierans said the group has “ambitious plans to grow beyond Cork”.

“Dublin is a target market where the group already has a solid client base and two staff employed.

“The merger with O’Sullivan PR further expands the organisation’s range of services, and also allows both companies to bring the complete array of communications tools to bear on behalf of clients,” said Mr Kierans.

Up to 40% of H+A’s existing business is outside its core market and a further 20% is overseas, mainly in the US.

“That’s our focus, but obviously the first priority will ensure a smooth transition following the merger,” said Mr Kierans.

O’Sullivan PR will operate as a division within H+A, under its historic name, and will relocate to H+A’s recently acquired headquarters in Ballincollig, Co Cork, from its current location in Douglas.

Ms O’Sullivan said the firm is “27 years old this year and it brings considerable experience and a strong client base to the new venture”.

She joins the H+A board as executive director with ongoing responsibility for the PR business while company founder, Robin O’Sullivan, has been appointed a non-executive director.

This merger forms part of an ambitious three-year growth programme put together by H+A Marketing Group, which will involve organic growth backed by strategic acquisitions.

Harry Lorton, former boss of TSB Bank and permanent tsb is chairman of the H+A board.