Speed Agency Acquires Ktb PR

Multi-sector agency Speed has acquired KTB PR, a consumer PR agency focused on sports, health and wellbeing clients, to create a combined business with a turnover of £4 million, employing more than 45 people and clients including adidas, The Associated Press, The Celtic Manor Resort, Clinton Cards, The Economist, Maxinutrition, Technogym, Tesco, Toshiba and Virgin Media Business.

The agency has now set its sights on becoming a top 20 UK PR agency following the acquisition. 

The cash and shares deal follows the acquisition of Speed’s former parent company Loewy Group and a £4.5million fundraise by Writtle Holdings last July.

KTB PR will be merged with Speed’s consumer team. Kate Bosomworth, founder and managing director of KTB PR, will lead Speed’s enlarged consumer team and will join the board of Speed. 

KTB PR will be integrated into Speed with immediate effect and will move into Speed’s office in Leicester Square by the end of July.

Stephen Waddington, managing director, Speed, said: ‘Speed has the ambition to be a top 20 UK PR agency by 2015. A strong consumer offering is a critical cornerstone of this proposition. The acquisition broadens Speed’s existing consumer offer and adds both management and client service credibility. We’ll be considering the merits of further acquisitions over time to help bolster further organic growth.’

Kate Bosomworth, director, Speed, added: ‘Speed provides a superb platform to accelerate the growth of my team, our clients will also benefit from Speed’s digital innovation in audience planning and engagement through all forms of media. Both teams are very excited about what will no doubt be a very exciting few years ahead.’