Bite poised to acquire Upstream Asia

According to David Ketchum (pictured), chief executive of Upstream Asia, Next Fifteen, the parent company of Bite with headquarters in London, will take on an initial 55 per cent of Upstream. It will purchase the remainder over the coming five years.

In a statement to clients, Ketchum played down the implications of the acquisition, stating that operations would remain “very much business as usual”.

Ketchum said the network structure would remain the same; he will join Bite’s global board as regional president, while chief operating officer Paul Mottram take on the role of executive vice-president.

He noted that the move would give clients access to a broader pool of experience and talent, adding that Bite would have “a significant Asia focus”.

The new entity is expected to deliver “a broad mix of next-generation communications services such as digital and social media to meet the demands of the rapidly evolving media and communications landscape,” according to Ketchum’s statement.

Bite currently operates in Beijing, as well as London, New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Stockholm.

Earlier this year, Mattel appointed Upstream Asia to handle PR duties for Barbie’s 50th birthday in Singapore.