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Ruder Finn, the US-based independent global communications and creative agency, has acquired Atteline, the UAE-based integrated communications agency.
The move marks the former’s first acquisition in the Middle East, with Atteline now set to become Ruder Finn’s new center for the region.
Founded in 2016 by Sophie Simpson, Atteline works across three communications sectors: consumer, corporate and digital, serving contemporary and established brands across the UAE.
Ruder Finn, on the other hand, is a 75-year-old firm that has provided communications strategies across key sectors such as healthcare, enterprise technology, reputation management and crisis communications in the past year alone. Ruder Finn also launched RF Studio 53, an artificial intelligence (AI)-driven creative center and RF TechLab, a technology incubator, both of which provide predictive analytics, creativity and customer-centric digital engagement.
In 2023, when Ruder Finn’s revenue reached double-digit growth, its CEO Kathy Bloomgarden believed that this was the time to launch the company’s expansion plan in the Middle East. While the global agency has a number of public relations (PR) and communications firms to choose from, Atteline proved to be the ideal acquisition candidate as it aligned with Ruder Finn’s vision.
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Kathy Bloomgarden, CEO of Ruder Finn.Source: Ruder Finn
“When we met Attteline’s leadership team, we knew they shared our high standards of expertise, curiosity about emerging technologies and new tools, and core values of building strong partnerships with customers,” Bloomgarden explained. “Our teams are aligned in our aspirations for the Middle East market. Atteline is a fundamentally strong and rapidly growing company that is truly embedded in the culture and community it represents. We feel tremendous cultural synergy between the two companies, And the shared goal is to be the best in public relations, communications and storytelling.”
It’s this similar propensity for realizing synergies that has Atteline’s Simpson confident that the cultural insights and expertise her company can offer will make this acquisition a success. “Ruder Finn has over 75 years of experience, which will be great not only for Atteline, but also for the rapidly growing GCC market,” she said. “Together we will combine global thinking with local insights into all our This is a powerful combination when it comes to communications. Additionally, our values are aligned; specifically, Ruder Finn and Atteline are passionate about creating a rewarding and positive work culture where we are client-focused, team-focused, But putting our teams first is critical to both organizations, as people are at the heart of what we do. Through this acquisition, we will bring greater value to the region through groundbreaking expertise, new technologies and tools. A strong offering, and the alignment of global thinking with local insight. Everything we do within the GCC or beyond the region will be deeply rooted in cultural understanding.”
In addition to working closely with Bloomgarden, Simpson will be deeply involved in working with Atul Sharma, who leads Ruder Finn’s Middle East business, which will allow her to continue to bring her own specific ideals to the organization’s leadership. “I want to ensure that I continue to support the diversity and unique skills of those who contribute to the ever-changing communications landscape,” declared Simpson. “Atteline’s success to date has been to bring together some of the best and most ambitious communicators in Together the results are something we hope to keep moving forward.”
Sophie Simpson, founder and managing director of Atteline.Source: Atlin
Ruder Finn believes that opening a new office in the Middle East through this acquisition will help meet the growing demand for public relations, marketing communications, digitalization and corporate reputation in the region. “The Middle East is a rapidly evolving center of innovation and economic growth,” Bloomgarden explains. “We therefore look forward to expanding our footprint in the UAE and GCC countries and are pleased to contribute our skills and insights to companies in the region to help them realize their potential. Atteline’s B Corporation Certification [a designation deemed by B Lab, a US-based non-profit organization, that a business is meeting high standards of performance, accountability, and transparency on factors such as employee benefits and supply chain practices, among others] It will also see us meet the highest standards of proven performance, accountability and transparency in areas such as employee benefits, charitable giving and supply chain practices. “
As Bloomgarden now anticipates the success of her company’s operations in the Middle East, she reiterated that the decision to acquire Attteline is simply a continuation of the values that founded the company in 1948. “At Ruder Finn, we cultivate a culture based on our values of individuality, non-hierarchy, hunger, listening, experimentation and independence that enable our people to embody the spirit of our founder David Finn : “Just because you don’t know how to do something doesn’t mean you can’t,” she shares. “In the 75 years we’ve been in business, and looking to the future of our work, our ‘secret sauce’ comes from working with clients to do it.” We believe in projects where we can make a real-world impact on the people, communities and markets we touch. This particular acquisition marks an exciting time not only for Atteline and Ruder Finn, but also for the MENA region Heartfelt moments as we come together with shared values and a culture of care. As a united voice, we will champion impactful communications through localized approaches and global capabilities.”
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