Newcastle-based PR and communications agency Karol Marketing has acquired Fusion PR Creative, which was previously run by Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive John McCabe.

Both companies will continue to operate under their respective brands within the new Group, working on behalf of their regional, national and global B2B and B2C clients.
Founded in 1992 by Stefan Lepkowski, Karol Marketing is one of the North East’s longest established integrated PR, digital, and creative communications agencies. The multi-award-winning business has been recognised by the Chartered Institute of Public Relations as Small Consultancy of the Year, since 2019.

Read more: It's a sea change in how we do business, says John McCabe

he company has secured five major new clients in the last twelve months; adding to its portfolio which includes Mental Health Concern, Eldon Square, Agilio Software, as well as leading outdoor brands Keela, Montane, Vango, EDZ, and Ventile. It has seen billings jump by 61.7%.

Fusion has also continued to show strong performance over the last two years, representing clients such as Northumbria University, The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Collaborative Newcastle, The Great North Care Record (delivered in partnership with Karol), The UK Pellet Council (Biomass Heat Works!), AkzoNobel, and Bernicia Group.

Both companies will now consolidate and strengthen their market specialisms, skills and expertise as one Group, with Karol making new investments in staff and increased resources. Combined fees for the immediate year are expected to be well into seven figures.

Group Managing Director, Stefan Lepkowski, said: “Fusion is the absolute perfect fit for Karol, bringing a highly specialist and exemplar skills set to our offering for clients, especially B2B companies and public sector organisations, who may be operating on a very local level or UK-wide and beyond.”

The acquisition of Fusion PR Creative is the culmination of several strategic appointments made over the last two years by Karol Marketing. Former vice-chairman of Bond Dickinson and non-executive director, John Marshall, was appointed as an advisor to the leadership team and past NGI client and communications director, Kathie Wilcox, also joined the team on a consultancy basis as associate director, working alongside Stefan to develop the strategy and lead the team. Both John and Kathie have played key roles in securing the deal.

John McCabe said: “I’m very pleased to have concluded the sale of Fusion to Karol Marketing. It’s almost nine years to the day since I launched Fusion and in that time the business has grown way beyond my initial expectations. We’ve created good jobs for good, talented people, won awards for our work, and had the pleasure of working with fantastic clients. It’s good to know I’m leaving the business in very strong shape, and in very good hands, with a bright, exciting future ahead.

“I have great admiration for Stefan and Karol Marketing.  It’s a business which has stood the test of time but as Stefan has shown with the purchase of Fusion and the other appointments he has made to his team, it continues to innovate and stay at the top. I wish Stefan and his new team all the very best for the future and I’m confident great things lie in store for this outstanding business.”

Karol Marketing was advised by Stephen Slater of RMT accountants, with Fusion PR Creative being advised by Stephen Willis of Robson Laidler. Legal services were provided by Paul Bell of Short Richardson and Forth, and Robert Phillips of Womble Bond Dickinson respectively.

 

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