News

February 1, 2024

V+O forms a strategic alliance with the international communications group SEC Newgate

V+O has signed an agreement with SEC Newgate, the 21st ranked communications group in the world and the fastest growing of the top 30 (PRovoke 2023 Top 250 rankings), embarking on a new, even more exciting journey of growth and expansion.

SEC Newgate will acquire 70% of V+O Group over a five-year period, while V+O will retain its separate brand identity and organisational autonomy. SEC Newgate's Global CEO, Fiorenzo Tagliabue, will join the V+O Group Board of Directors and strengthen the existing management team of all V+O companies under the leadership of Thomas Varvitsiotis and Yannis  Olympios lead.

Commenting on the transaction, the founders of V+O, Thomas Varvitsiotis and Yannis Olympios, said: "After 22 years of continuous growth, it was time for the next step. V+O's success has been based on our relentless dedication to our clients, a strong commitment to our people and a set of clear values. Joining forces with SEC Newgate will allow us to accelerate growth while remaining true to ourselves and these values.

We will be able to offer deeper insights and a broader network of global reach and expertise. We also believe that our extended family of amazing colleagues will have greater opportunities for professional development."

“I have known and worked with Thomas, Yiannis and their teams for a number of years and I am very excited by their commitment to meaningful results and their great cultural fit with SEC Newgate. We welcome our new colleagues from V+O Group, who we look forward to working closely with in the coming months and years across all our geographies, starting from our Eastern EMEA business region, the initial and natural area for V + O to develop their activities with us” said SEC Newgate’s CEO Fiorenzo Tagliabue. “V+O Group’s strong footprint in the region and excellent work across advocacy and corporate communications – Fiorenzo Tagliabue pointed out – was in fact highly attractive and coherent to our business and we already see a range of synergies”.

SEC Newgate is one of the fastest growing communications networks in the world. It is an insights and research-driven, global strategic communications and advocacy group with a network of 53 offices and 1,200 employees across five continents. In 2023, SEC Newgate was recognised as Global Agency of the Year in Public Affairs and Corporate Communication at the Global SABRE Awards by PRovoke in Washington, DC.

The agreement will provide V+O with greater scale, strength, and expertise, offering many additional and unique benefits to its customers and employees. V+O will expand its presence in new industries, markets and geographies.

At present, V+O Group, a market leader in Southeastern Europe, is one of the largest independent and integrated agencies in the EMEA region with more than 180 employees. V+O Group, a multi awarded communication business, with 12 prestigious IPRA Golden Awards, is a trusted strategic partner and agency of reference to more than 250 companies across the region.

About SEC Newgate Group

SEC Newgate is an insights and research-driven, global strategic communications and advocacy group, headquartered in Milan, Italy. It works at the nexus of business, politics, communities, markets and media to deliver positive outcomes for clients and communities in a connected world, where companies increasingly need communications partners with strong local roots, global reach and true entrepreneurial spirit, driven forward by talented people.

The SEC Newgate team operates seamlessly across five continents, helping clients clearly demonstrate their purpose and value, delivering around the clock counsel and support, implementing campaigns locally, nationally and internationally.

About V+O Group

V+O is the market leader in Southeastern Europe and one of the largest independent strategic communications agencies in the EMEA region. 

A trusted partner and agency of reference to more than 250 companies across the region. It provides communications services across all disciplines, from public affairs and advocacy to investor engagement and sustainability programs. Its strength lies in its 180 experienced professionals and the integration of insights, analytical thinking and social metrics. 

V+O champions and is committed to diversity in thought, perspective and background.