CHI & Partners announces a significant acquisition to its award winning network. The undisclosed deal creates a strategic partnership between the currently independently owned PR business, Halpern, and the WPP backed network.
Halpern was founded in 1993, by entrepreneur Jenny Halpern Prince, and has developed a strong consumer client base within retail, lifestyle and personal care. Currently working with Unilever on strategic communications at both a global and local level, the agency also retains a broad spectrum of clients including Fitness First, Avon, Five Guys, Aga Rangemaster and Tiffany & Co. Halpern was one of the first agencies to build a celebrity division to align brands with key influencers, and most recently has introduced a digital content division and in-house design team.
CHI was created 12 years ago by three partners, Simon Clemmow & Johnny Hornby & Charles Inge. The agency has since changed the way communications agencies work together by using the power of &. Their ‘& Partners’ concept now includes advertising, digital, creative, content, media buying, direct marketing and laterally with today’s news, PR.
The & partnership allows clients and staff to get the best from both the independent and entrepreneurial agency network, and the power and scale of the giant WPP globally.
With teams in 17 cities spanning 3 continents the opportunity for growth is clear.
The partnership will see CHI acquire a 50.1% stake in Halpern, 49.9% is retained by Jenny Halpern Prince and Halpern senior management. The Halpern team retain managerial control and now benefit from the global presence which CHI & Partners offers.
"I’ve always admired Jenny and her business – Halpern are a top class creative team working with A list brands, companies and entrepreneurs…we look forward to being their partners."
Johnny Hornby, Founder, CHI & Partners
"The partnership with CHI provides us with the perfect opportunity to work with Johnny and his inspiring team & clients. It strengthens our offering in both the UK, and worldwide, which will help grow the Halpern business substantially in the coming years."
Jenny Halpern Prince, Founder, Halpern
Halpern London offices will move to the CHI & Partners central W1 site in early 2014 with further global bases under review.
The Halpern shareholders were advised by SI Partners and Bird & Bird.
Source: Campaign
