Ruder Finn Acquires UAE-Founded Agency, Atteline, eyes expansion in the Middle East

New Delhi – 27^th February 2024- Ruder Finn has announced the acquisition of Atteline, a UAE-founded agency headquartered in Dubai, which will be Ruder Finn’s new hub in the Middle East. This acquisition builds on Ruder Finn's expansion of its global strategic footprint with investments in healthcare, enterprise technology, RF techlab, reputation management, crisis communications, social and digital in the last year.

Atteline’s managing director and founder, Sophie Simpson, has had a dynamic career in publishing and communications and founded the firm in 2016. Sophie will work closely with Kathy Bloomgarden, Global CEO of Ruder Finn, and Atul Sharma, who leads Ruder Finn’s Middle East Region. By developing a new hub in Dubai, Ruder Finn aims to meet the growing demand for public relations, marketing communications, digital, and corporate reputation in this region.

“In 2023, our 75^th anniversary year, Ruder Finn experienced remarkable double-digit growth,” said Kathy Bloomgarden, CEO of Ruder Finn. “We are committed to expanding our reach and our expertise globally and now is a great time to do so as the UAE, and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are continuing to forecast strong growth across all industries. The region is increasingly regarded as an exciting hub for companies around the world. I’m excited to welcome Atteline and Sophie into our leadership team as a strong partner in helping us serve the needs of our global clients.”

“Atteline brings cultural insights and expertise to the agency that can be leveraged to develop our relationships and best serve our clients,” said Atul Sharma, CEO Ruder Finn India & Head of Middle East. “Atteline’s multichannel digital and social expertise will be a great complement to Ruder Finn’s strength in this area.”

“This marks an exciting moment for not only Atteline and Ruder Finn but also the MENA region, as we come together with shared values and a caring culture. As one united voice we will champion impactful communications with a localized approach and global capabilities,” said Sophie Simpson, managing director & Founder of Atteline. “We will use this to ensure we take our clients, team, and partners further than ever before.”