Acquisition underscores the growth ambitions of FGS Global, building on the rapid expansion of its Amsterdam and the continued strong growth of its Brussels office
Hague’s strong footprint in strategic public affairs advisory complements FGS Global’s existing activities in the Netherlands and its public affairs offering in Europe
The deal elevates FGS Global as a market leading strategic communications and public affairs consultancy in the Benelux, offering clients access to the full suite of global services
Amsterdam, The Hague, Brussels, 01.10.2024 – FGS Global, a leading global communications and public affairs consultancy, acquires Netherlands-based Hague Corporate Affairs (“Hague”). By combining forces with Hague, FGS Global becomes a market leading consultancy in the Netherlands and Brussels, further strengthening its leading position in Europe. Founded by Vincent Nieuwelink and Peter ter Horst in 2014, Hague advises a wide range of leading Dutch companies and organizations as well as numerous global companies. The team of over 36 professionals brings extensive communications experience and relationships at the highest levels of government, politics and policy makers. The firm is based in The Hague with offices in Amsterdam and Brussels.
FGS Global has a long-established relationship and a solid track record of close co-operation with the Hague team on various international government affairs mandates covering Europe, the US and Asia. Hague and FGS Global have a strong strategic and cultural fit, sharing similar values and a Partner-led collaborative culture.
The Hague team is a strong fit with the FGS Global teams in Amsterdam and Brussels. The FGS Global Amsterdam office expanded earlier this year with two senior hires and has grown significantly since its launch in 2022. The FGS Global offering is highly complementary with that of Hague Corporate Affairs. While the FGS Global team in Amsterdam is adept at managing corporate reputation and transactions, investor relations, handling crises & litigation, and guiding transformation & change initiatives, the Hague team's core strength and expertise is gathered around government relations, public policy, and regulatory affairs. With more than 75 consultants, FGS Global is poised to become the leader in strategic communications and public affairs consultancy in the Benelux. The combined teams in Amsterdam and The Hague will offer clients a strong collective of around 45 consultants. Meanwhile, the Brussels team is set to expand to around 30 consultants, further strengthening the presence in the region.
Brigitte von Haacke, CEO Continental Europe at FGS Global: “Hague Corporate Affairs stands as the trusted advisor in the Netherlands for companies facing pivotal challenges in the governmental and regulatory arena. The firm boasts a remarkable track record, strong ties with its clients, a great team and principles that resonate with our own. By joining forces, we are creating the leading strategic communications advisory team in the Netherlands and Belgium, optimising our capacity to support our clients with a superior team and a full suite of services. We also further strengthen our global public affairs capabilities, establishing The Hague as an additional key hub alongside Brussels, Berlin, Paris, London, and Washington D.C.”
Vincent Nieuwelink, Co-founder of Hague Corporate Affairs: “At Hague, our commitment to delivering outstanding service to our clients is paramount. This deal enhances our ability to continue this mission and lays a solid foundation for our future endeavours. We are truly impressed by the calibre and deliberate approach FGS Global has taken in its growth, and we are excited to join this top-tier global platform. Being part of FGS Global positions us more strongly to navigate our clients through the complexities of today's shifting stakeholder, financial, regulatory, and political landscapes.”
In recent years, seamless cooperation between strategy, communications, legal and political departments in companies has become increasingly important to be able to respond to the demands of the capital market, regulators and the influence of the media, NGOs and vocal consumers. Navigating this increasingly complex stakeholder universe is paramount for running a successful business. With over 1,400 policy, digital, crisis and communications experts from FGS Global, including the Hague team, the offering is perfectly tailored to the needs of both international and Dutch companies and organisations.
Contact
FGS Global
Tim van der Zanden
M: +31 (0) 623936252
E: tim.vanderzanden@FGS Globalglobal.com
Dirk von Manikowsky
M: +49 (0) 1711201216
E: press-eu@FGS Globalglobal.com
mediaglobal@FGS Globalglobal.com
Hague Corporate Affairs
Vincent Nieuwelink
M: +31 (0) 633220007
E: nieuwelink@hague.company
About Hague Corporate Affairs
Hague Corporate Affairs is a full-service consultancy firm with offices in The Hague, Amsterdam, Brussels, and Paris. We believe in breaking the boundaries between communication, public affairs, and media. There are no limits to what we can do for our clients – and no limits to what we can learn from each other. Hague offers its clients strategy and action, helping them to tell their stories to the outside world and strengthen their reputations. Our advisers have expert and substantive knowledge, are involved with our clients, and enjoy going the extra mile. We do what it takes to help our clients move forward.
About FGS Global
FGS Global is a leading global communications and public affairs consultancy, with approximately 1,400 professionals around the world, advising clients in navigating complex stakeholder situations and reputational challenges. FGS Global was formed from the combination of Finsbury, The Glover Park Group, Hering Schuppener and Sard Verbinnen & Co to offer board-level and C-suite counsel in all aspects of strategic communications — including corporate reputation, crisis management, and public affairs and is also the leading force in financial communications worldwide.
FGS Global offers seamless and integrated support with offices in the following locations: Abu Dhabi, Amsterdam, Beijing, Berlin, Boston, Brussels, Calgary, Chicago, Dubai, Dublin, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Hong Kong, Houston, Kingston, London, Los Angeles, Munich, Paris, Riyadh, San Francisco, Shanghai, Singapore, The Hague, Tokyo, Toronto, Washington, D.C., South Florida, Vancouver and Zurich. The firm is headquartered in New York. FGS Global is consistently ranked a Band 1 PR firm for Crisis & Risk Management and for Litigation Support by Chambers and Partners. For the second year, FGS Global was ranked #1 Global M&A PR firm by Deal Count and Value in 2023 by Mergermarket.
For more information, visit https://fgsglobal.com.