By: Anubhuti Singh, Media News Line, Johannesburg : Burson-Marsteller, a leading global public relations and communications firm, recently announced it has agreed to acquire a majority stake in Arcay Communications, a leading South African consultancy with headquarters in Johannesburg and an extensive affiliate network across Africa, covering more than 50 countries throughout the continent. Arcay Communications has been Burson-Marsteller’s exclusive affiliate partner in Africa since 2007. The full-service agency, which was the Holmes Report’s African Agency of the Year in 2009, now becomes a full member of the Burson-Marsteller network and will now be known as Arcay Burson-Marsteller. “Our decision to take this majority stake in Arcay underlines the great importance of the African continent to our clients – and it offers us significant opportunities to expand our global business. This strategic move demonstrates our commitment to serving our clients in every part of the world,” said Mark Penn, global CEO of Burson-Marsteller. “Having founded Arcay Communications over 20 years ago, I am very proud that it has now become a full member of the Burson-Marsteller global network,” said Robyn de Villiers, Chairman and CEO of Arcay Burson-Marsteller. “This acquisition is the best demonstration of Burson-Marsteller’s faith in our work, our business and our region – and it offers huge opportunities for my team as part of the world’s leading evidenced-based communications agency. We are all extremely excited to be part of Burson-Marsteller.” "Chinese companies are investing heavily in Africa, and as they do they will require on-the-ground support to reach out to stakeholders.” said Chris Deri, CEO Burson-Marsteller China. “With the acquisition of Arcay Communications, Burson-Marsteller is uniquely positioned to help companies operating in Africa communicate their activities both across the African continent and at home.” Read Full: Burson-Marsteller to acquire majority stake in Arcay Communications
