A Change of Guard

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Monday, 27 August 2012

Go Communications buys out Cambodian agency

Watchiranont Thongtep
The Nation August 27, 2012
Michael De Kretser
Michael De Kretser

Malaysia-based GO Communications Group has acquired 100 per |cent of a public relations agency |in Cambodia as a part of its ambitious plan to control a leading PR network in Southeast Asia, chief executive officer Michael De Kretser said.

He noted that Cambodia, a nation of 15 million people, had one of the best economic records in Asia, with growth of gross domestic product averaging over 8 per cent for the last three years. And tourism was growing rapidly, with 3 million visitors last year.

In terms of foreign direct investment in Cambodia, China was the biggest player with more than US$8 billion (Bt250 billion) via 360 projects. Key business sectors such as textiles, agriculture and construction were booming as international companies believe there is more room to grow.

De Kretser said the company would announce the name of the newly acquired PR firm in two weeks.
Go Communications is expanding aggressively in Southeast Asia to capitalise on the implementation of Asean economic integration in three years.

In June, the group formed a partnership with Thai PR agency DC Consultants, led by Danai Chanchaochai.

"The group will assign DC Consultants as the regional headquarters for the region, particular-ly for the Mekong Delta, which |is made up of Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar," |De Kretser said.

Danai, CEO of DC Consultants, said his company would help support PR services, digital strategic communication and sophisticated skills in communication business for other local agencies in the network.

Within two years, Go Communications expects to welcome into the group five more agencies in five countries, namely Laos, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Indonesia and Myanmar. The company disclosed previously that each strategic acquisition should be worth about $3 million to $5 million.

The group is currently made up of four key partners, GO Communications in Malaysia, DC Consultants in Thailand and two PR agencies that cannot be named yet.

GO Communications provides a wide range of services including media relations, branding, event management, crisis communications, and editorial and production services. DC Consultants has been offering marketing communication services for about five years and has built up a strong client base from the public and private sectors.

De Kretser believes that his PR network will bring more opportunities for both his company and clients that want to expand into neighbouring countries.

Once the group completes the establishment of its PR network in eight countries in 2014, there will be about 300-400 staff in the group, up from the current 100. In the meantime, it also plans to invest in building and developing local talent and expertise in each country in which it is present.

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