PR Firm FCR Strengthens Asian Connections
PR firm Financial & Corporate Relations Pty Limited (FCR) is forming close ties with Asia’s largest corporate, investor and financial communication consultancy, Strategic Public Relations Group (SPRG).
Hong Kong-based SPRG has acquired a 20 per cent shareholding in FCR, Australia’s longest-established independent financial, investor and corporate relations consultancy.
The partnership will assist Australian ASX-listed companies and financial institutions that wish to expand into Asia while facilitating Asian business links in Australia, and its timing is particularly appropriate a month after Australia and Hong Kong signed a free trade agreement.
SPRG has offices in Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Taiwan, Singapore and Malaysia enabling FCR clients to access specialist communication advice and assistance in these markets.
FCR’s founder, Anthony Tregoning, and executive directors, Ashley Rambukwella and Jeremy Kirk, believe that in the decades ahead it will be essential for Australian companies to look towards Asia for growth, rather than predominantly seeking markets in Europe and the US as has been the case until now.
Preparing for the next phase of Australia-Asia relationships
Tregoning commented: “In the coming years, Australia’s business relationships with rapidly developing countries in our region will become more complex.
“We will move from a simple import-export mindset to relationships based on partnerships of skills.
“To succeed, this will require specialist on-the-ground communication advice, coupled with strong local knowledge.”
Tregoning continued: “While China has dominated the attention of Australian media and will continue to grow as a trading partner, more Australians are gaining first-hand knowledge of our other close neighbours and realising they are also growing faster than the US or Europe.
“Through tourism, we are understanding the trade, cultural and political differences among these individual countries.
“The next step is Australian companies gathering detailed intelligence on markets in Asia, increased business-to-business cooperation, more confident inter-country investment and cross-fertilisation at board level.
“We are positioning ourselves to assist clients in this coming development phase.”
Tregoning notes a significant increase in the number of Australian companies expanding in such popular Asian markets as Hong Kong, China and Singapore in recent years.
He adde: “FCR has also assisted companies from these countries to list on the ASX, increase their Australian shareholders and develop their businesses here.
“We believe that SPRG’s strong presence in these markets will provide distinct advantages for our clients.”
FCR’s relationship with SPRG will complement its association with AMO, the leading international network of strategic and financial communication consultancies.
AMO has a strong presence in Europe, North America and South America, as well as agencies in Japan, South Korea and the United Arab Emirates, and has consistently featured at the top of global M&A advisory rankings over the past 15 years.
SPRG founder and chairman, Richard Tsang commented: “FCR and SPRG have a similar philosophy of providing business PR specialisation at the local level – we both offer expert local knowledge of key issues, policymakers, journalists and investors in each city where we operate.
“This support is essential, for instance, for global companies to communicate successfully in any cross-border merger, acquisition or trading initiative because cultural differences are a critical determinant of success.
“We will combine our specialist skills in IR, corporate and financial communication to address clients’ needs more effectively, such as accelerating their pace of market penetration; handling roadshows, investor meetings and presentations; conducting shareholder analysis; and improving stakeholder engagement.
“This will help us to improve our competitiveness and expand our businesses.
“We look forward to close cooperation with FCR and the cross-fertilisation of ideas and interchange of people that the partnership offers.”
The new relationship involves FCR directors Anthony Tregoning and Brian Mahoney selling part of their shareholdings in FCR to SPRG, with Anthony Tregoning remaining FCR’s major shareholder.
Executive directors Ashley Rambukwella and Jeremy Kirk recently increased their holdings in the firm.
Latest News
“We Can Learn From One Another”: How Supporting Refugees Makes Australia’s Business Culture Better
In acknowledgment of World Refugee Day and international Refugee Week, B&T is exploring how businesses can better support potential and current employees from a refugee background. Inclusion and diversity in the workplace has become a growing point of concern for businesses in recent years, and the questions of how best to support employees from diverse backgrounds […]
Akcelo And Miami Ad School Launch Brand Experience Boot Camp
Brand experience and innovation company Akcelo has partnered with the Miami Ad School to launch a brand experience bootcamp focussing on the fusion of brand advertising with the future of customer experience.
Curry Club For COVID-19 Relief, Powered By UnLtd, Challenges AdLand To Raise $100,000
The media, marketing and creative industries are being encouraged to host their own ‘Curry Club for COVID’ before 30th June to help meet the ambitious $100k target set by its organisers. Curry Club for COVID, which was conceived by long-time adtech executive Peter Bray, sales director at Impact, and is powered by industry social purpose organisation […]
UnLtd’s ‘Goals for Good’ Soccer Tournament Celebrates 10 Years
The UnLtd Cup is returning for its tenth consecutive year, marking a decade of soccer shenanigans that’s raised nearly $500,000 for children’s mental health charity, KidsXpress. On July 22-23rd, 28 teams from across the industry will battle it out on the soccer field in the two-day tournament at Sydney University Sports and Fitness Centre, Darlington. […]
Global Study Reveals That Brands Turned To APAC During COVID-19, With Kayo Sports In Top 10 Most Loved Global Brands
Talkwater, a consumer intelligence platform, has released their 2021 Brand love Story report, which analysed 1,200 global brands to find which were most loved during the pandemic. By monitoring conversations on social media, news, and blogs, and by using their proprietary sentiment analysis and speech analytics capabilities, Talkwalker identified the key brand love indicators – […]
“Until We Are Comfortable We Can Meet Demand”: Supply Concerns Behind Vaccine Ad Delay
Surely if Tim Tam made an AstraZeneca double-coated chocolate version we'd be rid of this damn plague by week's end?
triple j’s Unearthed High Returns For 2021
B&T certainly encourages high school musical acts. We'd just hate to live next door to them, that's all.
Monday TV Wrap: MasterChef Beats Ninja Warrior While HYBPA? Tops Entertainment
If anything, recent TV numbers are proving highly unpredictable. Unlike the jokes on the recent 'Friends' reunion.
Ultra Commerce Acquires Vesta eCommerce
Australian-bred company Ultra Commerce has acquired New Zealand-based company Vesta eCommerce, a global software business providing leading product data management solutions. The recent acquisition is a significant move for the business, which is Australian born, owned, and headquartered, but has built out a global presence as it pursues rapid growth in the eCommerce market. Connecting […]
Top Creatives Launch #OnlyOneInTheRoom Collective To Tackle Diversity In AdLand
While Australia is the most diverse country in the world, with 30 per cent of people born overseas, this is not reflected in the advertising industry. Only 16 per cent of people in advertising are culturally diverse and often, they are the only one in the room. A collective of professionals from across the industry, […]
Saatchi & Saatchi Melbourne And VMLY&R Melbourne Head Aussie Gold Winners In Day One Of Cannes Lions
Aussie agencies off to a solid start on Day One of Cannes. Not that there's been a rush on rosé down at Liquorland.
Radio Host Jackie O Becomes Weight Watchers Ambassador
Jackie O named Weight Watchers newest ambassador. Yet, B&T reckons Kyle would've made a far more entertaining choice.
MFA Updates Transparency Framework For Advertisers & Agencies
The Media Federation of Australia (MFA) has released the 2021 MFA Transparency Framework, outlining a set of best-practice principles of transparency for agencies and advertisers to follow. First developed by the MFA Board and executive in 2015, the updated Framework reflects progress and changes in the marketplace, and moves to a principles approach to accommodate […]
Matt Cooney Joins Saatchi & Saatchi As National Chief Growth & Marketing Officer
Matt Cooney has extended his chief growth officer role in the Publicis Groupe to take on national growth and marketing for the Saatchi & Saatchi Australia brand. Cooney, who has led his own Sydney-based consultancy as well as previously running new business at Host, is a seasoned operator having also served on management teams at […]
Inclusive Marketing: Microsoft’s Five Mindset Shifts Every Brand Can Make
According to Microsoft’s head of global multicultural & inclusive marketing MJ DePalma, brands must ensure they are building care-centric relationships with their customers. Friendships take work. But most of us would agree that the best of them are not only worth our investment, they’re invaluable. Having friends who empathize with us, consider our needs, have […]
New Council For In-House Agencies, The In-House Agency Council, Launches In Australia
Australia’s growing list of in-house agencies now have access to a connected community with the launch of the In-House Agency Council (IHAC) steered by founder and chairman CEO Chris Maxwell. Established with the objective to help marketers maximise their in-house agencies by attracting the best talent, building capability along with benchmarking and sharing industry best […]
Crater Teams Up With Director Luna Laure For ‘Harry’s Story’, Canteen’s Newest Campaign
Canteen’s latest campaign features the combined talents of Director Luna Laure and creative agency Crater. The campaign strives to raise awareness for young people affected by cancer. The awareness campaign centres around Harry Barentson, who at 12 years of age found out his pregnant mum had cancer. While his mother fortunately survived, he lost his […]
AFL Legend Kevin Sheedy Narrates ‘A Love Letter To Victoria’ Via Enthral Partners
In partnership with storytelling agency Enthral, AFL star Kevin Sheedy has voiced a video ‘Love Letter to Victoria’ using visuals to showcase the state’s natural beauty and culture. Victoria has been hit with the worst of the coronavirus pandemic compared with any other Aussie state experiencing four lockdowns. Sheedy has partnered with Ethral to share […]
Telstra’s Belong Appoints Howatson + White For Strategy & Creative, Retains OMD For Media
Telstra’s lower-cost telco, Belong, has awarded its strategy and creative account to Howatson + White, and has reappointed OMD to its media buying account, after a competitive pitch process. Howatson + White will handle strategy, planning, creative and CRM, while former agency Clemenger will continue to have a relationship with Belong, managing PR and retail activation. […]
Cummins&Partners Launches ‘Wear.Bleed.Wash.Repeat’ Work For Libra
Leading Australian period care brand Libra has launched a new integrated campaign to mark the launch of Libra Period Proof Briefs, created to educate on the ease of use when it comes to period underwear.
Coke Releases New Campaign, ‘Turn Up Your Break’, Via Ogilvy
Coca-Cola Australia has rolled out its new campaign ‘Turn Up Your Break’. The campaign will be led by a TVC that encourages people to truly pause with a Coke on their break so they can walk away feeling refreshed and uplifted. The TVC features two busy chefs stepping outside for a break, the bustling kitchen […]
Nova 91.9’s Ben And Liam Locked Up In Rundle Mall To Raise Awareness For Mental Health
Nova 919’s Ben & Liam breakfast show announced that they’ll be throwing their support behind and raising awareness for a cause very close to their hearts, mental health. On Monday 21 June Ben Harvey and Liam Stapleton will be locked in a purpose-built glass structure, in the middle of Rundle Mall, for an entire week […]
Visual Search Company TRENDii Launches Privacy-First, Cookie-Free Advertising Solution For eCommerce Businesses
TRENDii has announced TRENDii Ads, a new contextual advertising solution that leverages content and context to promote eCommerce products at scale around the world. TRENDii Ads is user privacy friendly and offers a new way for businesses and brands to target consumers at the moment that they are most inspired to shop. “We believe good […]
Cannes Lions Creates Trophies Out Of Parley Ocean Plastic From Reclaimed Fishing Nets
Not only will winning a Cannes Lion mean you can charge clients double, you'll also be doing good for the oceans too.
UEFA Threatens Fines If Players Move Presser Drinks, After Russian Football Manager Skols A Coke
B&T has no real opinion on press conference drinks, suffice to say the losing team deserves a gin and a Panadol.
The Ben Roberts-Smith Defamation Trial Gets Even More Complicated
Ben Roberts-Smith's defamation gets even MORE complicated! But if you understood The Matrix films, you should be okay.
Former SBS Journalist To Sue Network Over Alleged Bullying
The nation's tax-funded broadcasters continue to make headlines. Arguably to the horror of the taxpayers that fund them.
GET YOUR SKATES ON: Entries For This Year’s Women In Media Awards Close Today!
Here's an important one for today's 'to do' list. You need to even nudge it past 'send nasty email' & 'collect laundry'.
Nearly Half Of Australians Say They’re Addicted To Their Phones
Study finds 46% of Aussies are addicted to their phones. However, they're far less enthusiastic when it actually rings.
Drunk Welsh Footy Fan Takes Tumble Out Of Local Pub During Live TV Cross
Football is the 'world game', while drunk fans tumbling out of the pub after a win also appears a worldly thing to do.
