Diana Marszalek 14 Feb 2023 // 12:04PM GMT
NEW YORK — Finn Partners has further expanded its global health and policy operations with the acquisition of Hyderus, an Irish health-focused firm whose work spans Europe, Africa, Asia and Latin America.
Co-founders Mark Chataway (pictured) and Christopher Nial will become EMEA public health co-leads in Finn’s global health practice — Chataway as a managing partner and Nial as a senior partner. Both will report to Gil Bashe, chair global health and purpose, and work closely with global health practice lead Fern Lazar and global public health lead Richard Hatzfeld.
Hyderus focuses on health and the environment and has three main areas of specialized expertise: health policy, especially on health system development and access; communications about science, environment and health in media, social media and through influencers; and training and skills development for clients working in policy and communications.
Based in Ireland and Wales, Hyderus has employees on three continents and established consultants in more than 100 countries. Recent projects include assessing the future of access to cancer medicines in middle-income countries; understanding the policy consequences of untreated insomnia; developing access programs for advanced cardiovascular medicines; and advocating for new guarantee and funding mechanisms for essential vaccines. Clients include the headquarters or regional operations of major pharmaceutical and vaccines companies; international organizations, governments; universities; and civil society groups.
Finn has an established relationship with Hyderus, having worked together on vaccine access and public health initiatives in EMEA and Asia, as well as changes in European health delivery.
Hyderus also has a history working with SPAG Asia, the healthcare firm Finn bought in 2022, bolstering its Asia-Pacific footprint.
Hyderus becomes part of the Finn EMEA region, overseen by Chantal Bowman- Boyles, managing partner, who also leads Finn efforts throughout Europe. There are no staff redundancies or client conflicts.
“Through their cutting-edge services, geographic reach and deep expertise in health policy research and global public health communications, Hyderus elevates our health communications strength throughout Europe,” said Bowman-Boyles. “The combination of Hyderus pharma and health policy knowledge and FINN’s existing diagnostics, device and digital health expertise enables us to support a broader range of EU and UK clients in the product and provider services sectors.”
The acquisition is latest move in a years-long series of acquisitions by Finn to expand its worldwide offerings and reach.
Earlier this month, Finn announced its acquisition of creative and digital design agency Outré Creative, a 15-person firm specializing in financial services with offices in New York and London.
In October, Finn announced two acquisitions — social impact firm Winston Agency and Rachel Kay Public Relations, which expanding the agency’s work with food and beverage brands.
In July, Finn purchased SPAG, bolstering its APAC presence with one of the biggest acquisitions in the agency’s history, and last February the agency acquired brand strategy and creative agency AHA in a move that enable the firm to launch a global internal communications & employee engagement practice.
In December 2021, Finn acquired the platform Medika Life, adding a second healthcare news and information outlet to the content unit that launched with the agency’s purchase of The Pharmacy Podcast Network in November of that year.
Finn also acquired Dublin communications agency 360 in December 2021, creating the firm’s first Irish outpost.
In November 2021, Finn announced the purchase of luxury travel PR firm Hawkins International and another travel firm, Hawaii-based Anthology Marketing Group.
In 2019, Finn acquired Hong Kong travel specialist CatchOn, and travel and lifestyle consultancy Brighter Group in 2018.
Other 2021 moves include the firm buying Health IT specialist Agency Ten22 and tech agency Barokas Communications.
Finn also purchased digital marketing agency MintTwist. The move marked Finn’s fifth acquisition in London in the past four years, coming on the heels of financial services firm Moorgate Communications and consumer and lifestyle agency ZPR in 2019; Brighter Group in 2018; and B2B specialist ABI in 2017.
In May 2021, Finn bought back Stagwell Group’s minority stake in the firm, putting an end to the companies’ four-plus year financial partnership that enabled Finn Partners to grow in 2021 into a $162 million operation.