Ptarmigan in talks with Bell Pottinger

UK public relations group Bell Pottinger is in discussions to acquire the staff and clients of Yorkshire PR consultancy Ptarmigan.
 
Bell Pottinger owner Chime Communications’ chairman Lord Bell told industry publication PR Week: “We are buying the business of the company, but we are not acquiring the company. I cannot give you further details at this stage.”

Leeds-based Ptarmigan’s executive chairman Gordon Forbes confirmed that discussions are ongoing. Mr Forbes founded the agency 20 years ago on February 28, 1989.

“This has been motivated by my medical situation – I’ve been told I have got to withdraw from the business. I’m hoping to remain in a non-executive capacity and Ptarmigan has a great team.”

PR Week reported that it is believed that there will be minimal cash paid as part of the deal, but it may include Bell Pottinger sharing a certain percentage of future profits with Mr Forbes.

Ptarmigan’s clients include Virgin Media, Nestle and npower.