PTCM.L Regulatory News (PTCM)

PORTA COMMUNICATIONS PLC

(the "Group" or "Porta")

Porta Establishes Newgate Australia

London, 6 August 2013 - Porta Communications plc is pleased to announce that its subsidiary, Newgate Communications ("Newgate"), the world's fastest growing strategic communications consultancy (as reported in The Holmes Report, the leading international trade publication), has commenced trading in Australia through a new subsidiary, Newgate Australia, after recruiting, what the Group's Board of Directors consider to be, some of the country's most experienced communications and market research professionals.

The start-up team which currently comprises 20 consultants, and which is expected to rise to nearer 30 in the short term, is already assisting clients with some of Australia's highest profile corporate and government enterprises and projects. Brian Tyson, Managing Partner, and Felicity Allen, Deputy Managing Partner, will spearhead the new venture, with Sue Vercoe heading the market and social research division, Newgate Research. Other key partners on the team include corporate and financial communication specialists Greg Baxter and Miche Paterson, social media authority Feyi Akindoyeni, and infrastructure expert Jodie Brough.

Newgate Australia specialises in corporate affairs, government relations, financial communications, community engagement and market research, combining the talents of former journalists, political advisors and communications experts. As such, it is able to offer a complete range of capabilities to meet the emerging global, national and local trends that affect its clients' businesses.

Newgate Australia intends to add offices in Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra as well as a trade communications office in Shanghai to add to the Group's rapidly expanding international footprint.

David Wright, CEO of the Group, said, "The launch of Newgate Australia is an exciting and significant next step in Newgate's growth strategy. The opportunities in Australia have proved to be more substantial than originally anticipated and therefore required greater investment. However, we believe this will create a more substantial business and provide greater returns in the future. Our team in Australia comprises, what the Group's Board of Directors consider to be, some of the country's most experienced communications practitioners. Furthermore, they bring a formidable track record of success on behalf of their clients, which stems from a service ethos which we believe is second to none." 

Brian Tyson, Managing Partner (Newgate Australia), said, "We are very pleased to be on board with the world's fastest growing strategic communications consultancy and hope to create a very strong presence and reputation for the Group in Australia.

"We believe that our team here has impeccable connections across business, the political spectrum, government agencies at Federal and State level and the media. Clients have trusted us over many years to work alongside them delivering some of Australia's most complex and challenging corporate and government projects. We look forward to continuing that tradition in an exciting new venture."

ENDS

About Newgate Australia

Newgate Australia is a subsidiary of AIM-quoted Porta Communications plc, and joins the Group's rapidly expanding network which includes operations in London, Brussels, Frankfurt, Hong Kong and Singapore.

Through its Newgate Communications subsidiary, Porta Communications plc also has established affiliates in Lisbon, Seoul, Beijing, Taipei, Macau, Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi.