IRELAND/USA. Washington-based communications group Penta has acquired Hume Brophy, the global public affairs, communications and strategy firm, for an undisclosed sum. Founded in 2005 by John Hume and Eoin Brophy, Hume Brophy is well known for its lobbying and communications work in the travel retail industry.
The two co-founders will continue as Senior Advisors at Penta, while Hume Brophy Chief Executive Conall McDevitt will become a Senior Partner and Managing Partner, Europe and Asia.
John Hume confirmed to The Moodie Davitt Report that he will continue to lead the company’s lobbying efforts on behalf of the duty free & travel retail industry. The wider Hume Brophy team that represents the interests of the travel retail sector will also remain in place.
Hume Brophy has offices in London, Brussels, Dublin, Frankfurt, Paris, Hong Kong and Singapore, with a team of almost 100 professionals across a range of industries including energy, transportation and mobility, agribusiness and financial services.
“Leaders are increasingly required to solve complex challenges under public scrutiny and engage with a growing set of stakeholders. As we look to provide the actionable intelligence businesses need to inform their decision-making, we are excited to welcome the Hume Brophy team to Penta,” said Penta President Matt McDonald.
“Their deep understanding of the issues that matter most to our clients and unmatched access to the highest level of international decision-making will significantly bolster Penta’s strategy offerings across the globe.”
John Hume and Eoin Brophy said: “This is a natural and exciting progression for Hume Brophy. It is an opportunity for our talented and dedicated colleagues to lead Penta’s growth in Europe and Asia, and to work as one team on a new and exciting global platform that will compete with the very best in the world. Our business model, based on strong local businesses in key strategic hubs, combined with specialist international practices, is a differentiator in a highly competitive market. We look forward to bringing this approach to Penta as we begin our journey together.”
Penta is backed by a majority investment of Falfurrias Capital Partners, a Charlotte-based private equity investment firm. ✈
