MMG

New York, N.Y., February 12, 2008 – Global public relations firm Ketchum announced today that Maryland-based MMG, an industry leader in patient enrollment for clinical trials, will join the Ketchum network, operating as a distinct business unit within the group. With this partnership, Ketchum will greatly expand the depth of services offered to its healthcare clients. MMG will have immediate access to all the resources and services of the Ketchum global network, an important benefit for clients in an industry that has become increasingly multinational. The two companies, both owned by Omnicom Group (NYSE: OMC), will retain their respective brand identities and office locations.    

 

Together, Ketchum and MMG are positioned to provide a diverse set of services to clients. MMG has expertise in oncology, endocrinology/cardiology, the central nervous system and general medicine, as well as infectious and rare diseases. Ketchum’s experience is complementary and spans virtually every therapeutic category. Additionally, MMG’s in-depth understanding of the clinical trial business complements Ketchum’s healthcare offering and its ability to provide healthcare clients with communication services in the earliest phase of a product’s lifecycle. Ketchum’s global team of pharmaceutical, consumer healthcare, provider relations, advocacy relations, and media/new media experts provide additional depth to MMG's service offerings. Moreover, Ketchum's network, which includes more than 50 international markets, strengthens MMG’s global service offerings as the need for patient recruitment continues to grow outside of the U.S. In addition, Concentric Communications, an event marketing agency within Ketchum, specializes in creating and executing informative and memorable events and exhibits at pharmaceutical trade and sales shows.

 

“As science and technology continue to converge in new and exciting ways, the healthcare industry faces numerous global opportunities. This combination demonstrates Ketchum’s and MMG’s commitment to help healthcare organizations maximize the opportunities and minimize the challenges ahead,” said Ketchum Senior Partner Lorraine Thelian. “Matching Ketchum’s communications expertise with MMG’s focus on clinical trials will help clients identify and communicate valuable healthcare information about diseases and potential treatments to diverse global patient, physician and advocacy audiences.” 

 

MMG is headed by John Benbrook, CEO, and a seven-member executive committee, which will continue to report directly to Benbrook. “Our number-one priority is to ensure that we are providing optimum value for our clients and growth opportunities for our employees,” said Benbrook. “I am extremely excited about the possibilities created by this partnership to enhance our already extensive service capabilities.”

 

The Ketchum healthcare leadership team also will remain in place. Along with Benbrook are Thelian in Washington, D.C.; David Gallagher, CEO, Ketchum London; Ann Moravick, EVP and Director, Global Healthcare and Brand Advocacy of Ketchum, based in New York; Susan Newberry, Senior Vice President and Director of Ketchum’s Washington, D.C., Healthcare Practice; and Sebastien Desprez, Managing Director, International Healthcare, based in London; all will work together to achieve innovative business results for both companies’ clients. 

 

Founded in 1987 as a healthcare communications company, MMG is the premier full-service clinical trial enrollment agency specializing in helping pharmaceutical, biotech, and government clients find the best ways to reach and influence patient populations for participation in clinical trials, which simultaneously increases the effectiveness and sustainability of the programs. MMG’s focus on physician and patient education allows the company to reach patients directly and cost-efficiently, which benefits patients and clients alike. MMG joined Omnicom in 2000.

 

Ketchum ranks among the largest public relations agencies in the world. Founded 85 years ago, the firm specializes in marketing and corporate communications, helping to build brands and manage reputations for leading products, services, corporations, and governmental and nongovernmental organizations. Over the past decade, Ketchum’s Healthcare Practice has been continuously expanding in international markets to help pharmaceutical firms, hospitals, medical associations, and medical device manufacturers navigate the complex environment of consumer-driven healthcare, demands for transparency, and the entry of oblique competition – all in a highly regulated environment. Ketchum joined Omnicom in 1996.  

 

A communications innovator, Ketchum operates in more than 50 countries. With five global practices – Brand Marketing, Corporate, Healthcare, Food and Nutrition, and Technology – and specialty areas that include Concentric Communications (experiential marketing, events and meetings), Ketchum Entertainment Marketing, Ketchum Global Research, Ketchum Sports Network, Stromberg Consulting, (change management and workplace communications) and The Washington Group (lobbying and government relations), Ketchum leverages its marketing and corporate communications expertise to build brands and reputations for clients. For more information on Ketchum, a unit of Omnicom Group Inc. (NYSE:OMC), visit www.ketchum.com.