DETROIT, March 27, 2002 -- Franco Public Relations Group (Franco), a full-service strategic communications firm in Detroit, has acquired long-time competitor, PR Associates, Inc. Maria Leonhauser Rosenau, president of Franco, made the announcement today. Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.
"This is a new chapter in Detroit's rich public relations history," said Rosenau. "PR Associates' legacy of solid PR counsel will not be forgotten; rather, it will be woven into the heritage of Franco. Through this acquisition we will enhance our client service capabilities, expand our team of counselors and position our firm for continued growth."
"We are excited to be joining Franco," said Frederick R. Zosel, president and principal of PR Associates. "It's a great move for our clients and for us to be part of a larger organization with excellent resources and capabilities." Zosel will join Franco as executive vice president.
"Our combined expertise offers current and prospective clients tremendous depth of experience in many areas including automotive, professional services, retail and associations," added Rosenau.
In 2001, Franco earned $2.4 million in revenue and employed a staff of 20. PR Associates generated over $600,000 in revenue in 2001 with six full-time employees.
Franco Public Relations Group is a full service public relations firm headquartered in Detroit's Renaissance Center. Franco offers a complete range of communications services, with programs that incorporate media relations, crisis management, employee/member relations, community relations, public-affairs consulting, trade-show support, executive communications training, event planning and management, and corporate-identity development.
Franco represents many national and international clients in such areas as manufacturing, technology, associations, retailing, professional services, entertainment, health care, and financial services. Franco counts among its clients ASC Incorporated, Autoliv North America, Deloitte & Touche L.L.P., Exhibit Enterprises Incorporated, Farmer Jack Supermarkets, Medimmune Inc., Solutia Inc., Urban Science and Yazaki North America Inc. Franco has received numerous professional awards. Most recently, Rosenau was named one of Detroit's Most Influential Women by Crain's Detroit Business.
PR Associates, a founding partner of the Worldcom Public Relations Group, the world's largest network of independent firms, counts among its clients American Iron and Steel Institute, Tenneco Automotive, Roland Berger Strategy Consultants and Cobo Center. Its major competencies include counseling and strategy development in communications, branding, and corporate reputation. It also provides media relations, Web site content, event management and diverse writing services.
Both firms are among the oldest in the Detroit market. PR Associates was founded by Beverly Beltaire in 1963. Zosel acquired it in 1994. Franco was founded by Anthony M. Franco in 1964. Today it is owned by Daniel Ponder, Pete Rosenau and Maria Leonhauser Rosenau.
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