Batey acts to stem MDK breakaway speculation

Batey CEO Robert Kay has moved to quell speculation that key staff from PR agency MDK Consultants are set to form a breakaway agency, following a meeting in Bangkok with MDK group chief executive Michael de Kretser, Thailand CEO Danai Chanchaochai and Singapore CEO Michael Rose. "If there were a breakaway agency, then clearly we would take a fairly dim view and would resort to appropriate means, per the agreements we have in place, to secure key staff and clients," said Kay, to whom de Kretser reports under the WPP structure. Sources have informed Media that arrangements for a new agency are already in place, involving key staff and MDK clients. The possible integration of MDK into Burson-Marsteller was first mooted in 2005 (Media, October 14), although Kay refused to disclose whether this remained an option, or whether de Kretser would remain in his current position. "Given the industry speculation, certain facts were recently presented to the management of MDK in order that they can accurately communicate with clients and staff," added Kay. "The void that was being filled with poison, misrepresentation and drivel has now been filled with fact."