January’s Review of PR Pitches and Mergers & Acquisitions in the UK, with Andrew Bloch

Welcome to our review of PR Pitches and mergers & acquisitions in the UK PR scene with Andrew Bloch. Here, we discuss the biggest pitch wins and mergers & acquisitions that the PR sector has seen in the last monthAndrew is the lead consultant - PR, Social, Content and Influencer at the new business consultancy firm AAR and a partner at PCB Partners, where he advises on buying and selling marketing services agencies.Andrew also runs the advisory firm Andrew Bloch & Associates.Before we start, 2 plugs:Our next PR Masterclass: The Intersection of PR and GEO - Wednesday 25th February is proving massively popular. So if you do want to come - get your ticket quick is my advice. As ever with our PR Masterclass series, it's a hybrid event so both face to face and vital tickets are available. Take a look at the full programme and some of the finest past delegate testimonials you are ever likely to see on PRmasterclasses.comAndrew summarises the PR pitch market in January:“For agencies 2025 was tougher than expected for many.  Lots of uncertainty.  Economic pressures. Squeeze on margins. Less retainers. Slow decision making.  Clients will continue to be pragmatic.  Agencies will have to learn to operate with less predictability. They will need resilience and will need to hustle.  Most importantly they will need to innovate. Standing still not an option.  Lots of opportunities to embrace AI, innovate and expand in terms of service areas, drive organic growth.  The growth is there for those able to get ahead of it.”Andrew on the PR M&A market:“On the M&A side we will continue to see continued consolidation from the holding cos as they adapt, cut costs and make themselves fit for purpose.  The M&A market remains very strong with lots of strategic deal making to allow firms to adapt and shift to client demands and tech disruption. Deals are taking slightly longer but they’re happening.  The market is strong.  Supported by PE money, hungry US acquirers and a booming independent sector looking to scale in terms of capabilities and geographies. Especially around AI, data, influencer.  Corporate, healthcare and consumer remain in strong demand.”January’s PR WinsWingstop appoint SmartsMcDonalds appoints Freuds and Flint Global - Freuds for corporate.  Flint Global for govt relations.Hello Fresh Group appoints Ready10 and Golin Government Media and Creative Services roster - Agencies including 23Red, AMV BBDO, Accenture, Freud Communications, Lucky Generals,  Havas UK, M&C Saatchi and VCCP.UK Finance - Lansons Animal Friends Pet Insurance appoint Havas RedMyFitnessPal appoint KindredCoca-Cola appoint BrandnationHSS ProService appoint BrandnationAndrex appoint WSpurs appoint ShookMadri Exceptional appoint Tin ManKelloggs Crunchy Nut appoint Tin ManGreat British Energy - Nuclear (GBE-N) appoint GraylingNew Balance appoint ExposureMarriott International appoint WM&APretty Green acquires PinPoint MediaJack Morton merges with Impact XMFGS Global acquires MemeticaParitee acquire Truth ConsultingRadio News Hub complete Management Buyout from AFO Group - led by Directors Stephanie Otty and Jamie Fletcher.  Followed on from Markettiers MBO at the end of last year.Strata acquire WonderlandRuder Finn acquire Missouri CreativeSupport the show