The deal sees IPPR senior technical advisor Chadd McLisky retain management of the team’s 114 staff, and reflects renewed confidence in Indonesia’s business sector.
It is believed that Edelman will take a controlling stake in Indo Pacific Edelman. The agency is expected to count AstraZeneca, Coca-Cola, Unilever and British Airways among its clients. According to market sources, IPPR’s fee billings exceed US$3 million.
“The economy is showing sustainable growth and the FDI environment is positive,” explained Edelman Asia-Pacific president Alan VanderMolen. “Our clients are showing increasing interest in the country.”
McLisky, meanwhile, pointed to a “natural business synergy and a cultural match” as being key factors behind the decision. “Not only has Edelman been very aggressive in pursuing Indo Pacific over the past 12 months, but from a business perspective their primary portfolio of client services matches Indo Pacific’s core business areas exactly,” said McLisky.
“From a cultural point of view, Edelman is extremely focused on the development of its people and its intellectual capital. This view on investing for the long-term fits into how we have built up our operation over time. It has differentiated Indo Pacific in Indonesia and differentiates Edelman in Asia-Pacific.”
The Edelman deal is the latest sign of confidence in
Indonesia, following the entry of GolinHarris into the market last year and Burson-Marsteller’s return after an absence of ten years.
