Zurich, October 1st, 2020. Farner Consulting, the largest independent communications agency in Switzerland, has entered into an exclusive affiliate relationship with Edelman, the global communications firm. With this partnership, Farner becomes the sole representative of Edelman in Switzerland.
The agreement extends Edelman’s footprint into Switzerland and gives the firm access to Farner’s multi-discipline teams across 6 offices in the country – Zurich, St. Gallen, Bern, Lausanne, Basel and Chiasso. At the same time, Farner will extend its international reach with the world’s largest independent communications marketing agency, with 60 offices in 46 countries, and 37 affiliates worldwide. Together, both agencies will provide advice to Swiss companies on their international activities and support foreign clients in the Swiss market.
Roman Geiser, CEO and Managing Partner of Farner is looking forward to partner with Edelman: “As independent, owner managed agencies on a growth curve, we share a philosophy and entrepreneurial vision that puts the client at the heart of what we do. Edelman and Farner are both pioneers in the market, offering true 360°-communications services to our clients. Farner has strong ambitions for growth in the international space, and we plan to partner closely with Edelman to serve Switzerland’s many multinational companies and international organisations. At the same time, Farner will continue to be owner managed and independent.”
Switzerland has an unusually high concentration of multinational companies and organizations. Over 850 international companies, including 14 Fortune-500 companies, have their headquarters or other central functions in Switzerland. Switzerland is also home to some 40 international organizations, almost 400 NGOs and more than 30 international sports associations.
The two agencies’ partnership aims to go beyond offering a ‘flag in a map’ presence, and will be based on a proactive, in-country go-to-market strategy, jointly growing a Swiss client base which is oriented towards international reputation management, cross-border market development and brand presence. As part of this focus, Farner and Edelman intend to intensify collaboration between their sector- and service teams regarding account management and new business. Intrinsic to this will be sharing methodologies, training programs and thought leadership.
Steve Heywood, EMEA Head of Affiliates, Edelman comments: “Edelman’s competitive advantage is brainpower and in these unusual times, we are really looking forward to working alongside the smartest experts in the Swiss market to intelligently and diligently provide best in class work in this region. For many of the global organisations we work with – particularly in important heartlands such as tech, e-commerce, finance and pharma – Switzerland is an important territory and we are confident that the combination of Farner’s world-class, award-winning local talent alongside our operating scale will be a compelling offer. I’m excited about what we can achieve together.”