Warsaw, 1 April 2010 – Burson-Marsteller, a leading global public relations and communications firm, today announced it has acquired a 30% equity stake in Solski Burson-Marsteller Sp.z.o.o., its affiliated partner in Poland since 2008. The original affiliation agreement that was established between Burson-Marsteller and Solski PR in April 2008 marked Burson-Marsteller’s return to the Polish market after an absence of seven years. Since then, the Solski Burson-Marsteller team has grown quickly to a team of 18 consultants and has been successful in winning a number of high-profile clients.

“Burson-Marsteller’s decision to take this stake in the business underlines the importance of the Polish market and the significant opportunities for growth that it presents. This move also demonstrates our commitment to the strategic markets of Central and Eastern Europe,” said Mark Penn, global CEO of Burson-Marsteller.

“I am very proud to take the cooperation between Burson-Marsteller and Solski Burson-Marsteller to the next level,” said Ryszard Solski, President and CEO of Solski Burson-Marsteller. “I am delighted to be able to continue offering our clients in the Polish market the best in evidence-based strategic, integrated communications counsel as part of Burson-Marsteller. This will enhance our offer and ability to service both local and international Burson-Marsteller clients.”

Solski Burson-Marsteller is a full range communications services provider in the Polish market. Their clients include a number of major Polish and international blue chip firms and brands, as well as non-governmental organisations and government agencies. Solski Burson-Marsteller is ranked by its peers as one of the most admired PR firms in the country and has won a number of trade awards.

“Solski-Burson Marsteller has experienced tremendous success in the last two years. We are delighted to build on our existing partnership with the team at Solski-Burson Marsteller led by Ryszard Solski, one of Poland’s most respected PR professionals. Under Ryszard’s leadership, Solski Burson-Marsteller attained 150% revenue growth in 2009, developed an enviable client base from scratch and has become fully integrated in our global network,” said Jeremy Galbraith, CEO Burson-Marsteller Europe, Middle East and Africa.