BELFAST-based public relations agency MCE has acquired Stakeholder Communications, one of the best-known PR firms in Northern Ireland.
Stakeholder, which was wound up at the High Court just last month in relation to a tax bill in excess of £200,000, has been acquired by Paul McErlean's rival company it has been confirmed.
The transition ensures the retention of six full-time staff with former Stakeholder managing director, Tom Kelly, being retained as a consultant.
Mr McErlean said he was "very glad" to secure the deal, ensuring all of the staff and clients move across to MCE.
“Our business has deliberately aimed to grow in our three main business areas; public and stakeholder affairs, corporate and business public relations and consumer and lifestyle communications. We have also added specialist events and digital functions in recent times and with this acquisition, we will now have a full time graphic design function also. The deep experience and networks of Tom and his team have been built up over many years and we are really looking forward to deploying that expertise on behalf of our clients. The world of public relations is changing rapidly and we believe that this broadening and deepening of MCE’s offer will assist us greatly in our efforts to add value to our existing clients and help us win new business here and further afield."
Mr Kelly said the deal would provide continuity for both staff and clients.
"There are already good synergies between the two companies, which will improve with Stakeholder now fully integrated into the MCE business. It’s a positive start to a new beginning and on a personal level, I am looking forward to working with Paul as a consultant to the company.”
