Communications agency Ketchum has signed an exclusive agreement with Aussie independent PR agency The Hausmann Group.

The partnership will provide The Hausmann Group resources to further grow the business and provide its clients with global solutions and a greater diversity of offerings. The affiliation also will be a major asset for Ketchum clients that plan to expand their business to Australia or wish to strengthen their presence in the market, which is the world’s 12th-largest economy.

The Hausmann Group, which was founded in 1990, is led by CEO Judi Hausmann and managing director Katrina Brangwin, who has been with the company since its inception.

“The Hausmann Group’s leadership, core values and its dedication to delivering extraordinary work make it evident why they’re such a perfect fit for Ketchum. I have no doubt that this partnership will be a long and fruitful one,” said Jon Higgins, Ketchum senior partner and CEO, International. “As one of the world’s largest economies and with a population of nearly 24 million people, Australia is a vital market for Ketchum clients and prospects, many of which have business operations in the country,” Higgins added.

The Sydney-based consultancy encompasses Hausmann Communications, which specializes in public relations and experiential marketing campaigns that target consumers, and Health Haus, a specialist healthcare PR agency. Hausmann Communications is jointly managed by general managers Linda Reid and Jon Manning, while Health Haus is headed by general manager Ian Harris.

The Hausmann Group offers local-market expertise and experience in delivering creative and integrated 360-degree campaigns across PR, events, digital, experiential and social for some of the world’s leading brands as well as a range and depth of knowledge across healthcare, fast-moving consumer goods, entertainment and fashion, lifestyle, technology and business.

“Our partnership with Ketchum comes at an auspicious time, as The Hausmann Group celebrates 25 successful years in business this year. We are enormously proud of all that we have achieved in this time and believe that the affiliation with Ketchum will allow us to offer our clients and staff even stronger services and opportunities in an ever-evolving market,” said Judi Hausmann. “We will remain a nimble, independent operator but with the backing of Ketchum’s deep capabilities, creative talent and resources and impressive global client network. Our staff will be able to benefit not only from our own rigorous training programs but also from Ketchum’s industry-leading professional development program. We see this partnership as a win for everyone.”