Bangkok--25 Sep--DC Consultants
The GO Communications Group has acquired one of Cambodia’s leading Public Relations and Events agencies, Active Event Management.
The 100 percent buy out of Active follows the signing of a partnership agreement with leading Thai PR agency DC Consultants in May 2012.
Danai Chanchaochai, CEO of DC Consultants, said the new Cambodian relationship would further enhance the service offering to clients.
“Cambodia as a thriving economy which is inextricably linked to Thailand and the region’s growth and development, and many SMEs and large corporations are looking at a wider regional footprint. In particular, when the Asean Economic Community becomes a reality in 2015 it will be essential for all businesses to have a borderless presence,” Danai added.
Active will continue to be led by Managing Director Sisopheak Siet.
The Phnom Penh based agency has a staff of over 25 plus 180 field work support staff. Clients include Beeline, Ford, Coca Cola, LG, Colgate Palmolive, Manulife, Aeon Micro Finance, BAT, Dumex, Phnom Penh Security.
GO Communications Group CEO, Michael de Kretser commented, “Part of our blueprint strategy is to have a solid network within the Mekong Delta, and it is now coming together very quickly”.
“The Group is also currently in serious negotiations to acquire PR agencies in Laos, Vietnam and Myanmar, seeing its fast growth and vast potential. “The game plan is to complete the network by mid 2013.”
GO Communications Group chairman Bob Chua noted that “Cambodia has one of the fastest growing economies within the ASEAN region, with a GDP averaging over 8 percent for the last three years. Chua added, “Cambodia has a population of over 15 million people, tourism is growing with over three million visitors a year and FDI is rapidly increasing. China alone is planning to invest over US $ 8 billion with 360 new projects over the next year”.
The Cambodian acquisition is another step in the GO Communications Group plans to create Asia’s Largest Independent Public Relations network.
Speaking about GO Communications Group’s geographic expansion plans, Bob Chua further commented, “Communications has today become a critical component of every company’s marketing plans, and our regional and vertical depth are increasingly well placed to cater to Asia’s increasingly sophisticated communications demand.”
“Both multinational and local companies in the region are beginning to understand that Communications is a cost effective and potent tool to build brands, awareness, create promotional campaigns and most importantly increase the bottom line.”
Chua added, “Through our geographic expansion we can provide the platforms, innovation and coverage to organizations throughout the region and beyond.”
Active Managing Director Sisopheak said, “As part of the GO Communications Group, we will now have greater resources to service and win more clients”.
He added, “We can tap into the Group’s skill based network practices from ICT, tourism, health, government and FMCG”.
Sisopheak will be appointed to the GO Communications Group Board of Directors.
There are no immediate plans to rename Active. The agency will continue under its current name, operating under the GO Communications Group umbrella.