Loewy merges in Mantra PR to build PR capability

Loewy, the fast-growing marketing group, has bolstered its public relations offer with a deal which sees leading corporate consumer agency Mantra Public Relations joining the Loewy family. It secures Loewy a Top Fifteen agency position in the PR sector based on turnover – with nearly a third of Loewy’s 350 staff now engaged in PR activity. See more at the Loewy news section.

The deal is a strategically important one as Loewy builds a group ready to take on the wider marketing challenges of the Web 2.0 world by offering clients best in class specialists to provide key point solutions, but also a collaborative melting pot to provide integrated campaign support.

Mantra has an impressive reputation. It was co-founded in 2000 by Debbie Wosskow and Lawrence Dore, formerly of both Brunswick and Citigate Dewe Rogerson. It positions its work as a blend of ‘creative corporate and intelligent consumer communications’ with a client list to match. It includes The Financial Times, The Economist, Emap plc and ITV – recognition of the quality of the client base has been a key factor in Loewy’s decision to join forces.

With Mantra, Loewy’s PR capabilities now cover consumer, corporate, technology, and public sector expertise. Loewy acquired specialist technology PR consultancy Rainier in October 2006 and consumer PR agency BMA Communications in September 2005.

Wosskow’s achievements have been recognized beyond the PR sector. She was profiled as one of Management Today’s top 35 Business Women in 2004. Dore is a member of the CIPR Executive Board.

Loewy CEO, Charlie Hoult, says: “Mantra PR has all the hallmarks of a Loewy company – innovative, creative, knowledgeable and with a proven reputation for outstanding work – and will fit well into our family of creative specialists.

“Our belief is that PR possesses huge growth potential in light of the proliferation of new channels where consumers are turning traditional models on their head and controlling the messages they chose to receive. This new reality requires a fresh approach and PR is perfectly placed to respond.

By bringing Mantra into the group we will be able to harvest the plan for synergies and horizontal integration that our ‘buy and build’ growth strategy is designed to deliver. We’re delighted to welcome them.”

Mantra PR’s team of 30 will remain at their Tottenham Court Road offices.