UK firm expands with China deal

UK financial PR firm Financial Dynamics (FD) has signed a joint-venture agreement with China-based Eastwei Relations, expanding its footprint to the mainland.

Inked a little over two weeks ago, the deal follows FD launching its first Asia operation in Hong Kong. The JV will be named Financial Dyna-mics-Eastwei, and will give FD access to Eastwei's 65-strong team on the ground in Beijing and Shanghai. "We have been in discussions with Eastwei for some time, and they have done some work with us on projects," said Diana Footitt, CEO Financial Dynamics Asia. "We were very happy with their work, so we decided to move ahead with the JV. Since we announced the JV, there has been a lot of interest and demand with clients asking for help in China, so this allows us to service those clients and ensure that they're properly looked after." Footitt also revealed that FD will look to grow its Asia business this year, starting with operations in Singapore and possibly Taiwan, with a Korea launch expected to take place down the track. Footitt added the growth would mean doubling Hong Kong's staffing levels to 10 people by the end of Q2.