A marketing consultancy co-founded by Dragons' Den star Steven Bartlett has acquired a PR agency whose clients include dating apps Tinder and Hinge.
Flight Story, which launched towards the end of 2021 and was co-foundered by Oliver Yonchev, has snapped up London-based R. Agency for an undisclosed sum.
The firm was set up by Rebecca Ridge in 2013 and currently employs 25 members of staff.
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The agency's clients also include Joby, ClassPass, Calm and What3Words.
Mr Bartlett said: "I was first introduced to R. Agency seven years ago when looking for a communications agency at Social Chain.
"We brought Rebecca and the team on board and R. Agency became critically important long term partners as well as friends and we've subsequently worked together on multiple projects.
"After working with more than 10 PR agencies around the world, I could not find a better partner than R Agency.
"They are the very best. PR and communications is a crucial part of the Flight Story offering and finding the right people with a shared vision was paramount.
"Rebecca and team bring that. We’re delighted to welcome R. Agency into the Flight Story family and look forward to achieving great things together."
Rebecca Ridge added: "We came into 2022 with ambitions for continued, accelerated growth and being part of the Flight Story family will allow us to do that and more.
"I have known Steven personally and professionally for many years and we share not only our drive, energy and values but our ambition to deliver work that stands out for the world's most disruptive brands.
"This partnership will enable R. Agency to offer our clients unparalleled consultancy and results which deliver impact."
Rebecca Ridge will remain as CEO of R. Agency and take up a role on the board at Flight Story. M Bartlett is to join the board of R. Agency.
R. Agency recently brought on board Laura Jones, previously managing director of Frank Australia and director at Frank UK, in a newly-created role as managing director.
