Public relations companies HL Group and KWT Group are to merge in a few days time, but the decision has nothing to do with the coronavirus, according to management.
Instead, Lynn Tesoro, cofounder and chief executive officer of HL Group, told WWD that the merger was agreed back in January before large swaths of the U.S. ground to a halt.
“Both KWT and HL are part of the MDC Partner Network. The idea of a merger really bloomed after a January strategy meeting when it became obvious that it made sense for us to join forces,” she said.
“Our strength in consumer, lifestyle, luxury, fashion, beauty maps against KWT’s expertise in corporate reputational management and digital brand strategies,” she added. “There are no overlapping clients. We are a perfect compliment.”
HL’s current client roster includes Eataly, Charlotte Tilbury, Bonobos, Four Seasons, Teva, Shiseido Fragrances and Dolce & Gabbana, while KWT brings with it PayPal, American Express Global Business Travel and Sprint, among others.
Each agency will continue to market themselves under their respective trade names through the remainder of this year and then will decide on a new name for the merged business.
As for management, Aaron Kwittken, cofounder and ceo of KWT Global, will serve

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