French agency OBCM acquired by The Lede Company

Consolidation continues to increase between public relations and communication players. While The Indepedents group has been engaging in external growth operations in recent months, the New York-based company, The Lede Company, specializing in brand communication consulting and celebrity management, announced on Friday, June 23, the acquisition of the Parisian public relations and press consulting agency, OBCM.

For The Lede Company, this acquisition represents an acceleration of its international development strategy. Founded in 2018 by co-founders and co-managing directors Amanda Silverman, Christine Su, Meredith O'Sullivan, and Sarah Rothman, the company provides communication and partnership strategy support for celebrities such as Cara Delevingne, Charlize Theron, Lady Gaga, Mary J. Blige, Pharrell Williams, Penelope Cruz, Reese Witherspoon, and Rihanna. It also counts brands like Thom Browne, Altuzarra, Kenzo, Pangaia, and Savage x Fenty among its clients. The company opened a London office last year.

The acquisition of OBCM, founded in 2013 by Olivier Bourgis, will enable The Lede Company to expand its presence in Europe.

Christine Su stated, "Thanks to a strategic vision and consistent efforts, Olivier and the brilliant team at OBCM have built a powerful agency that has gained the trust of many leading partners. They are not only highly respected in Paris, a cultural hub for many major global brands, but also throughout Europe. We appreciate what has been accomplished and want to maintain the agency's cultivated identity over the years. We are excited to bring our talented teams together as Lede expands its operations and impact."

The financial details of the transaction have not been disclosed. OBCM, which works with clients such as Sandro, Pandora, Free People, and Wolford, will be rebranded as Lede Paris. Olivier Bourgis will remain at the helm of the Paris office and retain a minority stake in the company. The agency Ritual Projects, acquired by OBCM in 2022, will maintain its separate identity.

Bourgis explained, "At first, I considered opening an office in New York because more and more clients were requesting us to have operations on multiple continents. But in reality, a partnership with an American player appeared more relevant to me. I knew Christine and Sarah because we had already worked together on projects."

He continued, "I am proud to have the opportunity to partner with an agency as strong as Lede. Since its inception, they have paved new ways to connect brands and talents while developing an excellent reputation. I also believe that the founders of Lede share our values for tailor-made strategies that respect and support clients in achieving their objectives. Furthermore, I am excited that OBCM's clients and employees will now have access to international expertise and resources. With Lede, we will continue to innovate and set the bar higher in terms of positioning."

The French entity is expected to maintain its current positioning and incorporate solutions implemented by The Lede Company, including in the area of social impact.

French agency OBCM acquired by The Lede Company

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