INTERPUBLIC CREATES TWO GLOBAL PR NETWORKS
By Adnews Staff
New York-based Interpublic Group of Companies is realigning its public relations operations to create two new global networks. Interpublic announced it will consolidate the offices and practices of its three major PR brands, Golin/Harris International, Shandwick International and Weber Public Relations to create the new networks. Effective January 1, 2001, the technology practice of Weber Public Relations Worldwide will combine with Shandwick International to create Weber Shandwick Worldwide. The new entity will be the largest PR agency in the world, will be based in New York, have 2,500 employees and operate 68 offices in 22 countries. The new network will count global brands such as Hewlett-Packard, Monster.com, Microsoft, Eastman Kodak and Hitachi among its clients. Larry Weber, chairman and CEO of Interpublic's Allied Communications Group, which is comprised of Interpublic's PR companies, will head up the new Weber Shandwick network as chief executive. Effective immediately Interpublic's PR agency Golin/Harris will expand its global presence to 24 cities. The expansion will see the network gain expertise in the technology, public affairs and financial communications/investor relations areas. Weber McGinn, TSI Communications, Mindstorm Communications, Ovation Studios and Ludgate Communications, all previously part of the Weber Public Relations, will become part of the Golin/Harris network, which will be based in Chicago and continue to be led by its chairman Al Golin, CEO Rich Jernstedt and president Dave Gilbert.