Blue Rubicon extends into public affairs with Open Road takeover
BLUE Rubicon has bought communications and public affairs firm Open Road to bolster its consultancy work in those areas.
Open Road will initially remain separate from Blue Rubicon and continue to operate from its existing London office. However, the two firms will immediately start work on new business opportunities together.
“We set up the agency with a clear intention to provide integrated communications to clients with big and interesting issues,” said Open Road chief executive Graham McMillan.
McMillan helped to found Open Road in 2007, along with founding directors Nick DeLuca (currently chairman) and Martin Le Jeune, who is still a director.
The purchase is expected to help Blue Rubicon move further into governmental and regulatory affairs.
“Without question, Open Road is the stand-out independent political and regulatory advisory firm in the market and we’re delighted to have them become part of the Blue Rubicon family,” said Blue Rubicon chief Gordon Tempest Hay.
“Through our partnership, we’re bringing together two independent consultancies with a similar mindset, approach, reputation and strategic communications offer,” added Hay.
According to PR Week Top 150 figures, Open Road recorded £2.2m in fee income in 2012, with fee income for the financial year 2013-14 expected to be around £2.5m.