Marking its fourth market entry investment in the past 12 months, Rud Pedersen Group has announced the acquisition of leading Dutch strategic communications agency, Issuemakers. With this long-planned strategic move into The Netherlands, Rud Pedersen has further extended its unique geographic footprint, offering political engagement, stakeholder relations and corporate communications counsel across 19 European markets.
Morten Rud Pedersen, Founder and CEO of Rud Pedersen Group, commented on the acquisition: “We have been active in The Netherlands already for a number of years. As a result of ever-increasing demand from our clients, we are thrilled that we have found the right partner in Issuemakers to formalise our presence in the Dutch market. Issuemakers has a unique market position in The Netherlands. They are expert agenda setters, and we increasingly see the need to combine high level public relations and issue management alongside public affairs – both in this ever more dynamic Dutch market and across Europe. Sybrig, Mayke and the whole Issuemakers team align well with our core values rooted in our Nordic origins - and we are excited to welcome them to the Rud Pedersen team.”
Issuemakers was founded in in 2008 by Mayke van Keep and Sybrig van Keep. Together they bring decades of experience in strategy, communications and raising issues to the political and social agenda. They are co-authors of the book ‘Issue thinking, Real bosses make an impact’ and have both been named on TheNextWomen100 list.
Mayke van Keep Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Issuemakers commented: "We are pleased with this acquisition. The RP Group appreciates and respects our approach and are strengthening our services as we now have access to the expertise and knowledge of over 600 international colleagues."
Sybrig van Keep, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Issuemakers commented on the acquisition: “Discussions in the public sphere are becoming increasingly complex, and European legislation is becoming more decisive. As part of Rud Pedersen Group, we can better advise our clients on the latest European developments and trends and help them achieve their strategic goals. Moreover, our employees will have the opportunity to collaborate internationally with colleagues from across Europe, from London to Sofia and Stockholm to Madrid."
Mayke van Keep and Sybrig van Keep will remain as Managing Directors of Issuemakers meaning clients can continue to count on the same personal and engaged approach they know and value. Working with issues will remain a key focus and starting point for the Group’s advisory services in The Netherlands.