Northbank joins communications consultancy College Hill
pharmafile | December 19, 2007 | News story | Medical Communications |Â Â Â
Northbank Communications has been acquired by College Hill, in a deal that will extend its international reach and add new areas of expertise for its clients.
Northbank chief executive Sue Charles said the deal would enable the agency to move onto the next stage in its development as a major force in the life sciences sector.
"We are very excited to be part of College Hill and the opportunities it presents for our clients and our staff. We explored a number of options for our business, and are convinced that this move provides real benefits in terms of range of services, expertise and resources," she said.
"We will fit well with the College Hill culture, a culture that emphasises client partnership and creativity."
The deal substantially strengthens Northbank's offering in financial communications, and adds new areas of expertise for its clients through College Hill's Public Policy, Internal Engagement and Strategic Research practices.
The international reach of College Hill also enhances Northbank's global capability, adding offices in Hong Kong and Johannesburg and there are plans to open in other international locations.
Northbank was formed in 2002 through the merger of Charles Consultants (founded by Sue Charles and Katja Stout) and STMP Marketing Solutions Ltd (founded by Peter Colley).
Following the acquisition, College Hill will retain Northbank's current structure and facilities, including its team of 32 across offices in London, Manchester and Munich.
Sue Charles, current chief executive of Northbank, will head College Hill's Life Sciences industry team and will become managing partner, Life Sciences. Northbank senior team members Katja Stout, director, and Chris Fisher, creative director, will be appointed as partner and associate partner/creative director, Life Sciences respectively. Meanwhile co-founder and director of Northbank Peter Colley will retire.
College Hill's chairman Alex Sandberg and chief executive Richard Nichols said in a joint statement: "Sue and the Northbank team have built a highly regarded presence in the life sciences sector and we are delighted to welcome them into the group.
"Northbank significantly strengthens our client offering in the sector and, in turn, Northbank's clients now have access to a wider range of disciplines and reach.
"We are continuing to invest in sector specialisation, practice areas and geography as we build out a rounded international business communications consultancy."
Northbank has built a strong reputation and global client base in the life science sector, with clients including Ablynx, AstraZeneca's biotech firm Cambridge Antibody Technology, GE Healthcare and Oxford BioMedica.
The consultancy operates from offices in London and Manchester in the UK, and Munich, Germany, representing clients from across Europe, the USA and Australasia, most on a global basis.
