WPP closes down MDK

<P>MDK Consultants' 20-year run as one of the region's largest homegrown PR agencies is finally set to end, following news that its Singapore operation has ceased business.</P> <P>The shutdown is the culmination of a year-long saga which began with speculation that the Batey subsidiary might be integrated into one of the PR shops owned by its parent WPP. </P> <P>The news triggered a series of events that saw the departure of all three MDK principals - including founder Michael de Kretser - at its offices in Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok.</P> <P>Earlier this year, MDK Thailand also closed its doors. </P> <P>According to Batey chief executive officer Alan Fairnington, furthermore, MDK Malaysia faces a similar fate. </P> <P>Fairnington is hoping to set up a separate unit called Batey Consulting, which will invite staff and clients from MDK Malaysia after it has been shut down - an identical manoeuvre to the one carried out in Singapore.</P> <P>"There's no point trying to persist with a minority partner which would not invest alongside us," said Fairnington of the decision to close MDK Singapore, months after appointing a new MD, Sally Chew. </P> <P>"MDK Malaysia will also go into liquidation - we would like to set up Batey Consulting in Kuala Lumpur, but it is a little more complex."</P> <P>MDK rose to prominence in the '80s, when it handled a roster of high-profile clients including, most notably, Singapore Airlines.<BR></P>