PR agency Dani Lombard Public Relations (DLPR) is rebranding as Soda Communications, cementing a long-standing partnership with Soda Communications in Melbourne.

Having worked unofficially as ‘sister agencies’ for several years, Soda and DLPR preempted the partnership in early 2018, working together to win a competitive pitch for the launch of New Zealand’s GO Healthy vitamin brand into Australia.

The Melbourne and Sydney teams, totaling 14 staff, have continued to work jointly across the account for the past 12 months. 

The expanded business will operate under the ‘Soda Communications’ brand, with Chriss Mannix (featured image, right) continuing to manage the Melbourne office and Dani Lombard (featured image, left) heading up the Sydney operations.

Mannix said: “Both agencies have successfully managed accounts across Australia, including overseas clients in the UK, USA, Spain and New Zealand.

“The partnership is about offering our clients, both current and prospective, even better value and more resources.

“We will still be able to deliver the flexible and transparent service of a small agency but with the resources of a national one: more brain power, flexible man power, and a highly experienced senior team that knows how to get the job done.” 

Mannix continued: “Both agencies have always shared the common ethos of combining big-agency thinking with the creativity, flexibility and nimbleness provided in a boutique service.

“We’ve had a fantastic unofficial relationship for several years when either team has needed interstate support or additional resources, and it made sense to formalise our partnership moving forward.” 

DLPR, based in Sydney’s Mosman, has built a strong reputation as a leader in the beauty and health segments, holding multi-year contracts with the likes of French skincare and haircare brands Avène and Klorane as well as global herbal tea phenomenon Pukka Herbs. 

 Lombard commented: “It’s been 12 years since I founded DLPR, and I’m excited for the next chapter in our story.

“Bringing our two companies under one banner allows us to combine our strengths and broaden our offering to clients, while continuing to do what we do best: deliver unbeatable results and return on investment to our clients.” 

From a logistics stand point, both offices will continue to operate in much the same way, with no staff changes or relocation’s, and existing clients managed under their respective account managers and directors.