(Alliance News) - SEC SpA on Wednesday said it has launched its newly created communications firm SEC Newgate SpA following its takeover of Porta Communications PLC.
The name change to SEC Newgate will come into effect Thursday.
"The result of the merger of leading European communications firm SEC with Porta, the parent company of the award-winning Newgate Communications, SEC Newgate will offer clients a full suite of research-backed strategic communications and advocacy services across its extensive network," the communications company said.
SEC Newgate will have 600 employees in 30 offices across 14 countries.
With immediate effect, cross-border client projects will now be managed under the SEC Newgate brand whilst domestic projects will continue to be run by the local agency brand.
The group's principal brands are: ACH in Spain; Cambre Associates in Belgium; Clai in France; Kohl PR in Germany; Martis Consulting in Poland; SEC Latam in Colombia; Newgate Communications in Abu Dhabi, Australia, Greater China, Singapore and the UK; SEC SpA in Italy; and 2112, Newington and Publicasity in the UK.
Chief Executive Fiorenzo Tagliabue said: "Today marks a key milestone in the group's history. SEC Newgate is now among the world's top 30 communications groups, offering global excellence and local expertise with the scale to deliver seamless services across our extensive, owned footprint."
He continued: "We look forward to the hard work ahead that will be matched by our ambitions to seize the significant opportunity we believe exists for our team, clients and shareholders. Our focus will be on promoting our distinctive business model and positioning ourselves as the industry's preferred partner committed to building brands and protecting reputations, managing the complexity of stakeholder relations, and boosting our clients' businesses."