Burson-Marsteller (US)

Burson-Marsteller is a major global public relations network owned by WPP, and aligned with the Young & Rubicam Brands marketing group. It has 67 offices worldwide. Although it offers a broad range of different PR services, the agency is best-known for its work on corporate reputation and crisis management. Donald Baer succeeded Mark Penn as global CEO in 2012; founder Harold Burson remains chairman. He launched the business in New York in 1946 as a PR agency, but merged it in 1953 with Marsteller Gebhardt & Reed, a Chicago-based advertising agency run by Bill Marsteller. The agency remained a joint venture between Burson and the Marsteller agency until both businesses were acquired by Young & Rubicam in 1979. Marsteller's advertising operations have been mostly phased out, although BM does still offer some creative services via subsidiary unit Proof. Other specialised subsidiaries include political and corporate consultancy Penn Schoen Berland, grassroots communications unit Direct Impact and UK consumer PR division Communique. Industry watcher The Holmes Report estimated fee income of $450m in 2011. Ad Age estimated $465m for 2012. Adbrands does not currently offer a business profile for this company but subscribers may access account assignments and contact information. The searchable account assignments database is available to full subscribers to Adbrands.net premium services. Click here to access Adbrands account assignments (subscribers only); or see here for information on how to subscribe.

Capsule checked 20th May 2013

See also Top Global Public Relations Agencies index

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