MWW Expands Into Europe With Acquisition of Parys Communications In London

-- Patrick Herridge Appointed UK Managing Director, MWW

-- MWW's Client Roster Grows to Include Such Leading Media, Communications and Telecom Brands as BBC Worldwide, Level 3 and News UK

LONDON, Nov. 13, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- MWW (www.mww.com), one of the top five independent public relations firms in the United States, today announced that it has acquired London-based Parys Communications, whose clients include News UK (part of News Corp.), BBC Worldwide and mobile operator Three UK. The acquisition is the first in a series of strategic developments for MWW as it seeks to expand across Europe and other international markets.

MWW will take on all of Parys Communications employees including Founder and Managing Director Patrick Herridge, who will be appointed UK Managing Director, MWW, as well as Directors Rebecca Blinston-Jones, Anthony D'Alton and Robert Mitchell.  Effective immediately, Parys will change its name to MWW.

The acquisition follows months of close collaboration between the two firms. MWW is one of the US' top mid-sized public relations firms and one of the five largest independent agencies in the US. The firm's clients include Nikon, McDonald's, Samsung Mobile, Subaru and Booking.com, among others.  Parys Communications is a top boutique communications consultancy focused on delivering corporate, consumer and b2b campaigns for a wide range of clients including Four Seasons Healthcare, News UK, BBC, Three UK and Level 3.

"When we again became independent three years ago, one of our key goals of our leadership team was to grow into a true international agency. The opening of MWW in London marks a major milestone in the 27 year history of our firm and is a critical first step in our long term expansion strategy," said Michael W. Kempner, president and CEO of MWW. "In Parys, we've found an agency with a culture and values similar to our own and that shares our relentless focus on mattering more to our clients, employees and the communities where we do business."

Added Kempner, "And we're gaining an exceptionally talented team and a roster of marquee international clients that we're tremendously proud to represent under the MWW banner."

Herridge commented, "MWW's entry into the UK is a significant development for the UK PR industry. They're one of the US' largest and most respected independent agencies and have significant ambitions for their international growth." 

"Joining MWW is an exciting step for our agency and key to our future growth.  We will immediately be able to offer our existing clients and prospects a wider range of services in the UK as well as support in the US. We will also be helping MWW's existing clients break into the UK market. Companies looking for a fresh approach to PR in the UK should make sure we are on their pitch lists."

"MWW and Parys Communications are an excellent fit as MWW's entrepreneurial spirit and results-driven approach align with our own values."

About MWW

MWW is one of the nation's top mid-sized public relations firms and one of the five largest independent agencies. The firm is industry-recognized for its work in consumer lifestyle marketing, digital marketing and social media, corporate communications, public affairs and government relations, consumer technology, healthcare and visual branding.

MWW's approach to building and accelerating relevance for clients has been recognized with top industry awards, including the 2013 "PR Agency of the Year," by the International Business Awards, 2013 "Midsize Agency of the Year" by the Bulldog Stars of PR Awards as well as 2013 "Best Places to Work in New Jersey" by NJBiz and 2012 "Top Places to Work in PR" by PR News. For more information on the firm's capabilities and "Matter More" commitment, visit www.mww.com. Connect with MWW on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Google Plus and Instagram.