SKDK, a public affairs consultancy, has made an acquisition by purchasing c-suite advisory firm Jasper Advisors, founded by Julie Andreeff Jensen and David Sutphen. The acquisition reflects the growing demand for strategic communication support at the highest levels of business, as seen through recent consolidations in the PR and public affairs industry.
While the terms of the deal were not disclosed, SKDK stated that Jasper Advisors will operate as an independent subsidiary and continue managing its portfolio of business, entertainment, and sports clients. Jensen, a former executive at Citadel and the Washington Football Team, and Sutphen, an executive at 2U and a Brunswick alum, established Jasper Advisors just eight months ago.
Sutphen highlighted the synergies between SKDK and Jasper Advisors, stating, “We have a sports practice and are doing some great C-suite advisory work… We felt like the combination of the two firms would allow us both to do the kind of work that matters.”
This acquisition is part of a broader trend of consolidations within the PR industry. Recent examples include Inkhouse being acquired by BerlinRosen and Kivvit merging with Subject Matter. In addition, KKR purchased a 30% stake in FGS Global, and Penta Group announced the acquisition of European firm Hume Brophy.
Jensen emphasized the significance of communication in corporate leadership, stating, “Communications is front and center to everything the CEO, boards, and those in leadership are doing… CCOs need advisers who can look at issues holistically, react quickly, and provide strategic guidance. The consolidation in the industry reflects this need.”
The acquisition of Jasper Advisors by SKDK demonstrates the recognition of the importance of strategic communication in the business landscape, and it positions SKDK to provide comprehensive advisory services to its clients.
