PR agency Hanover snapped up by Canadian communications group Avenir
Communications group Avenir Global has acquired London-headquartered public relations firm Hanover for an undisclosed sum.
Hanover, which was founded in 1998 by John Major’s former press secretary Charles Lewington, posted revenues of £19m last year and has unveiled plans to double its size by 2022.
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The deal is Avenir’s latest acquisition as it looks to expand its presence in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. In November the Montreal-based holding group bought London healthcare creative agency Cherry.
“We are building a powerful network of colleagues who are the best in their field and our goal is to provide our clients with bold thinking founded on research, insights and deep sector expertise,” said Avenir international managing partner Ralph Sutton.
“Hanover is hugely respected as one of the best and fastest growing agencies in the world and this transaction showcases our ambitions.”
Hanover has 163 full-time employees in Europe and counts Goldman Sachs, Airbus and Microsoft among its clients.
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“By joining the Avenir Global network, we broaden our offering in insights and research, add impressive resources in creative and digital campaigning and execution, and can draw on additional scientific expertise in healthcare, food and drink, and energy,” said Hanover boss Lewington.
The Fonds de solidarite FTQ and Bank of Montreal provided cross-border financing for the deal.