Fleishman-Hillard and Cone Form Strategic Alliance

(3BLMedia/theCSRfeed) ST. LOUIS, MO and BOSTON, MA - September 27, 2010 - Fleishman-Hillard International Communications and Cone LLC have formed a strategic alliance that will significantly enhance each agency’s delivery of integrated solutions to existing and potential clients.

The alliance provides Cone with access to Fleishman-Hillard’s extensive global network of 80 offices in 25 countries to service Cone clients. Fleishman-Hillard will be able to integrate with Cone’s well-established cause branding and corporate responsibility services to deliver customized programs for clients. In other practice areas, each agency will also have access to the full capabilities of the other when useful to supplement client programs.   “Cone was among the first to focus on the strategy of cause branding in the 1990s and in recent years has been recognized as one of the leading agencies in corporate responsibility services as well,” said Dave Senay, president and CEO of Fleishman-Hillard. “Fleishman-Hillard and Cone understand the importance of delivering services that help clients build reputation and trust for their brands. This alliance re-affirms our commitment to enhancing the services we already provide through an expanded set of offerings. It also provides exciting opportunities for joint development of new products.”   “Society is now interconnected in ways that make organizations accountable to stakeholders everywhere,” says Jens Bang, CEO of Cone. “We welcome the opportunity to access Fleishman-Hillard’s global network so we can continue to help companies and non-governmental organizations address challenges around the world. In addition, we look forward to tapping into Fleishman-Hillard’s 31 practice groups, from public affairs to Hispanic marketing to execution of our digital strategies.”   Under the terms of the alliance, each agency remains independent, yet offers multinational and country-specific companies and organizations access to seamless agency teams that can customize strategies, programs and partnerships to meet the varied cultural and social needs of different regions, and provide on-the-ground implementation.    About Fleishman-Hillard Fleishman-Hillard Inc., one of the world’s leading strategic communications firms, has built its reputation on creating integratedsolutions that deliver what its clients value most: meaningful, positive and measurable impact on the performance of their organizations. The firm is widely recognized for excellent client service and a strong company culture founded on teamwork, integrity and personal commitment. Based in St. Louis, the firm operates throughout North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East, Africa and Latin America through its 80 owned offices. For more information, visit the Fleishman-Hillard website at www.fleishmanhillard.com   About Cone LLC Cone LLC (www.coneinc.com) is a strategy and communications agency engaged in building brand trust. Cone creates stakeholder loyalty and long-term relationships through the development and execution of Cause Branding, Brand Marketing, Nonprofit Marketing, Corporate Responsibility and Crisis Prevention and Management initiatives.   Both Fleishman-Hillard and Cone are part of Omnicom Group (NYSE: OMC) (www.omnicomgroup.com). Omnicom is a leading global advertising, marketing and corporate communications company. Omnicom's branded networks and numerous specialty firms provide advertising, strategic media planning and buying, interactive, direct and promotional marketing, public relations and other specialty communications services to more than 5,000 clients in more than 100 countries.   CONE9292