P3 to change name ahead of Asia launch

MELBOURNE - P3, the Melbourne-based marketing procurement consultancy, will be rebranding to avoid confusion with rival R3 ahead of its launch in Singapore and Hong Kong this summer.

The eight-year old firm has been in negotiations with a London-based financial backer with a view to setting up a joint venture and re-launching under a new name.

The launch - originally planned for April - is now scheduled for 1 July. Three consultants are expected to staff the Singapore office, and two in Hong Kong.

"If I had a dollar for every time someone has asked me if we are connected to R3 I could retire now," said founder Darren Woolley (pictured), who is the former creative director of JWT Melbourne.

P3 began working with Australia-based clients with an Asian footprint six months ago, and intends to extend those relationships regionally.

The company will replicate the business model with which it has rolled out in Australia and New Zealand, which offers digital, PR, media and marketing as well as advertising consultancy.