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WPP PLC ("WPP")

WPP's FGS Global acquires Longview

WPP's FGS Global today announced that it has acquired the leading Canadian communications and public affairs advisory firm Longview Communications and Public Affairs ("Longview").

The acquisition further strengthens FGS Global's well-established capability and expertise in strategic advisory and communications, helping clients to navigate reputational challenges in an increasingly complex stakeholder, financial, regulatory and political environment.

Longview will operate as FGS Longview in Canada, with a seasoned team of professionals advising clients on corporate and financial communications, issues and crisis management, special situations, government relations, regulatory affairs and foreign direct investment approvals.

Consistently ranked among the top 15 global PR advisors on M&A and shareholder activism, Longview brings extensive experience and relationships at the highest levels of government, media and business, and provides its clients with an integrated service offering across disciplines. 

The acquisition will enhance FGS Global's ability to help clients succeed in Canada and around the world, strengthening its position as the global leader in strategic advisory, communications and public affairs. FGS Global offers an integrated suite of capabilities, with deep local relationships and extensive knowledge across industries and geographies and approximately 1,300 professionals around the world.

FGS Longview will continue to be led by Longview partners Josh Pekarsky, Bruce Drysdale, Ian Hamilton and Hugh McFadyen. The firm has offices in Toronto, Vancouver and Calgary, as well as team members in Ottawa, Winnipeg, Montreal and Victoria and expands FGS Global's footprint in North America to eight offices in the United States and three in Canada.

ENDS

Further information

Niken Wresniwiro, WPP

+44 (0)20 7282 4600 / +44 7876 005 4891

niken.wresniwiro@wpp.com

About WPP

WPP is the creative transformation company. We use the power of creativity to build better futures for our people, planet, clients and communities. For more information, visit www.wpp.com.

About FGS Global

FGS Global is a leading global strategic communications consultancy, with approximately 1,300 professionals around the world, advising clients in navigating complex situations and reputational challenges. FGS Global was formed from the combination of Finsbury, The Glover Park Group, Hering Schuppener and Sard Verbinnen to offer board-level and c-suite counsel in all aspects of strategic communications - including corporate reputation, crisis management, government affairs and is also the leading force in financial communications worldwide. The firm is backed by WPP Plc and KKR & Co. Inc.

FGS Global offers seamless and integrated support with offices in the following locations: Abu Dhabi, Amsterdam, Beijing, Berlin, Boston, Brussels, Chicago, Dubai, Dublin, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Hong Kong, Houston, Kingston, London, Los Angeles, Munich, Paris, Riyadh, San Francisco, Shanghai, Singapore, Tokyo, Washington, D.C., South Florida, and Zurich. Its headquarters is in New York. 

About Longview

Founded in 2003, Longview is Canada's leading corporate communications and public affairs firm with a seasoned team of professionals working together across disciplines to serve its clients' interests. Our strategy is simple: do good work. Longview is top ranked in Canada, and the only Canadian firm ranked among the top 15 PR advisors globally, on M&A transactions and shareholder activism defense. Longview serves clients from seven locations across Canada.