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PR firm Four Communications continues its BGF-fuelled acquisition drive

Continuing its acquisition drive in recent months, London-based PR agency Four Communications Group has announced it has snapped up healthcare communications consultancy Packer Forbes.

Packer, which specialises in a range of communications services to blue chip pharmaceutical companies, becomes Four’s fourth acquisition since it secured £10m investment from the Business Growth Fund (BGF) last year.

In 2015 alone, the London Bridge-located agency acquired buying agency MSA Media, education PR group Broadgate Mainland and Welsh integrated agency FBA and says further acquisitions are planned for this year.

Nan Williams, Four Communications Group chief executive commented: “Packer Forbes is a fantastic fit with Four – and will double our presence in the important health market. They share our culture of delivering excellence for clients and creating an exciting place for staff to grow.”

Following the deal Packer Forbes will be rebranded as Four Health Communications and sit within the newly-created Four Health, which also includes Four MSA, creating a team of 35 staff and a turnover of £17m.

Chief executive of Packer Forbes, Alexa Forbes, who will remain as head of Four Health Communications, said: “I am really excited by the challenge of establishing and evolving the integrated Four Health offering. Working alongside fellow experts from across the healthcare communications spectrum will be professionally stimulating for the whole team and I genuinely believe we will be able to offer a truly unique service for our clients.”

Working with some of Packer’s big-name clients, including Actelion Pharmaceuticals and Gilead Sciences, the new group will provide a fully integrated service to health companies that encompasses public affairs, media buying and marketing.