We supported fast-growing Pearl Comms with the acquisition of PR pioneer Kinetic

In its first acquisition, Midlands-based Pearl Comms has bought B2B technical PR specialist Kinetic Communications in a six-figure deal, which includes the team, order book and assets. 

“This move is all part of our ambitious growth strategy,” says Alia Al-Doori, Pearl Comms’ founder and Managing Director whose position is now confirmed in the Midlands top 50 PR consultancies by turnover. 

Angela Podmore of Kinetic moves across to Pearl Comms indefinitely as part of the deal, says “I’ve watched Alia’s progress for some years. Pearl Comms impresses on many levels so I’m very comfortable that I’ve made the right decision for both our team and clients and our client bases are complementary.”  

Formed in 2017 by founder and managing director, Alia Al-Doori, Pearl Comms has grown rapidly over the past six years and is currently servicing a diverse, national client base comprising large corporates and multinationals, as well as thriving SMEs and startup businesses. Kinetic Communications was formed almost 20 years ago in Birmingham by PR heavyweight, Angela Podmore.  

Building on solid growth achieved during the pandemic – a time when the market as a whole was contracting – Pearl Comms is ready for the next stage in its development.  

Alia said: “I have always seen acquisitions being part of our future and the time feels right for us to expand to meet the demands of a rapidly recovering market. Our organic growth through this period has been exceptional and we are ready to take the next step. Angela and I have been in talks for a few years about what the future might hold for our businesses, and I’m looking forward to that now being a reality.  

“We’ve got big plans, but growing sustainably, to the benefit of the team and our clients, will always be my number one priority.” 

Kinetic Communications provides integrated PR and marketing services to clients spanning a range of sectors including construction, logistics, IT, property, health and safety. Over the course of the coming months, it will begin to trade under the Pearl Comms umbrella.  

Angela Podmore, founder of Kinetic Communications, commented: “I’m so excited not just for Kinetic – both for our team and clients – but also for how we’re already working with Pearl Comms and we’re only in our first week!  Alia and I are clear that we’re aiming for an alchemy resulting from combining our talents so we deepen and widen all our client service offering as we continue to pioneer what’s expected of a PR consultancy. It’s all because we’re culturally compatible – we’re working to world-class standards, at pace, guided by similar values.” 

Alia concluded: “We want to capitalise on our strong market position by expanding our client base and investing in additional capacity. We have always put people at the forefront of what we do, and I can’t wait to add more top talent to the team. From speaking with Ang, Kinetic became the ideal choice due to its complementary culture, client base and results-driven approach.” 

Combined, the agency will be pushing a 20-person headcount, with the latest addition of Gemma Wright, who will be joining the senior team from her previous role at Cogent, and Izzie Pridmore who will be joining the content team.   

Advisers crucial to the deal have been Jennie Davis and Eleanor Smith from Alston Asquith as legal advisers, and Sam Asanga from Bache Samuels on financial and accounting matters.