SINGAPORE—Global independent public relations firm Finn Partners has acquired Rice Communications, a 60-person Singapore-based consultancy, with expertise in travel, technology, corporate and consumer public relations across the Asia-Pacific region. The firm will operate as Rice, a Finn Partners Company.

The acquisition bolsters Finn’s presence in the Asia-Pacific region, strengthening its existing Singapore operations an adding new offices in Thailand and Myanmar, in addition to building on the firm’s presence in Hong Kong and reinstating a presence in the Philippines.

Rice managing partner James Brasher joins Finn as managing partner and lead for the merged Singapore operation. He will will also become a member of the APAC leadership team, working closely with regional leaders in Greater China, India, and Malaysia and with regional leader Howard Solomon.

Says Brasher, “Our vision is underpinned by our commitment towards stewardship—to take care of the team, clients, and the community so we can look after the future. This partnership enables our team and clients to tap on Finn capabilities, expertise, resources and network.

As part of this transition, Naeema Ismail takes on a new regional role in strategic business development and crisis communications, Asia Pacific.

Rice was founded in 2009 by Sonya Madeira, and has been named a finalist for this publication’s Asia-Pacific Consultancy of the Year in three of the last four years. It was also named the second best Midsize Asia-Pacific Consultancy to Work For last year, among many other awards for its culture.

Clients include Audi, B&O, Exabeam, FICO, Klook, UiPath and WWF.

The Asia-Pacific region now accounts for about 7.5% of the firm’s global revenues, with a staff of nearly 250 people and $15 million in revenues.