Holmes Report 17 Feb 2015 // 10:33PM GMT
NEW YORK—Edelman, the world's largest PR firm, has reported organic growth of 8.2% in 2014, taking its global revenue to $812.3m.
The results come after Edelman grew by 12.2% (on a reported basis) in 2013, to $746.7m, as per the World PR Report's global agency rankings.
In 2014, growth tapered slightly due to a slower performance in Europe, which still increased by a healthy six percent, on an organic basis. In the US, Edelman's revenues grew 7.1% to $482.1m, while its international markets increased 11.8% to $330.1m.
Organic revenue increased 16.7% in Canada, 18.1% in Latin America and, perhaps most significantly, 14.4% in Asia Pacific, Africa and the Middle East.
Meanwhile, digital revenues grew 15%, compared to "traditional PR", which was up 7%. Edelman now employs more than 5,700 people.
In a statement, the firm said that key sector growth came from healthcare, financial services, food and beverage and consumer packaged goods, with slower performance in technology and public affairs.
The firm made two notable acquisitions in 2014: Elan in France and Sweden's Deportivo. It also inked a joint venture with United Talent Agency to combine United Entertainment Group and Matter, resulting in United Entertainment Group.
Edelman's results come after Interpublic Group's PR firms, which include Weber Shandwick and GolinHarris, reported 2014 revenue growth of almost 10% last week.