Premier Maldonado @ EURO RSCG Worldwide.

Premier Maldonado & Associates, Inc. (PM&A) announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement with Havas Advertising and its major network EURO RSCG Worldwide for an undisclosed amount. As the new strategic partner, Premier Euro RSCG, disclosing its new surname, will represent the worldwide network in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean.

Franco Sotomayor, Premier Euro RSCG Chief Executive Officer, explained that “Euro RSCG, the principal global network and agency brand, is one component of Havas Advertising which serves as a holding company with three more main components: Arnold – the group’s second network (Affiliation or partnership of specialized agencies in the U.S., France, Germany, UK, Italy and Spain); Media Planning Group (MPG) (which addresses this function for certain of the holding companies units) and Diversified Agencies (an eclectic mix of assorted agencies active in direct marketing, precision marketing, multimedia and interactive advertising.)”

“PM&A’s strong financial performance and work ethics attracted us, specially under this challenging economic environment,” said Eduardo Plana, President, Euro RSCG Latin America. “This is shown in their overall on-time payment record as well as its leadership in the industry during the past 37 years,” he added.

“Several performance factors caught our eye at Euro RSCG. First of all, their strong client list of excellent local and Fortune 500; truly exceptional, especially for an independent agency. Secondly, their client retention rate is impressive. This is, obviously, an indication of client satisfaction and solid management. Thirdly, the upbeat morale and “can do” disposition of their professional personnel team also caught our eye,” he noted. “Our commitment goes hand in hand with PM&A’s team values and professionalism shown in day to day operations and in client service”. According to Plana, this agreement reflects Euro RSCG’s policy of decentralized management, which essentially will provide for Premier Euro RSCG management to continue running the local operation as they best see fit.

The overall local responsibility will continue with the following officials:

Premier Maldonado Chairman & Strategic Conceptualizer / Latin America

Franco Sotomayor Chief Executive Officer

Roberto Ortíz de Paz President and Chief Operating Officer

Ana Hilda Bernal Chief Financial Officer

Fernando Mendoza Senior Vice President / Account Management

Partners Juan Pagán (Executive Vice President Media) and Madeline Camacho (Vice President Production), who had previously announced their retirement, confirmed their decision. Carlos Camacho, Ian Maldonado and Javier Pagán were announced as new partners. Lynette Marxuach has been promoted to Vice President Media.

“Unlimited opportunities will now be available for conceptualizing effective creative strategies for our local and multinational clients. My experience of 35 years in this ever challenging function will be fully tested in global markets,” declared Premier Maldonado, Chairman and Strategic Conceptualizer/Latin America. Euro RSCG indicates that PM&A’s proactive attitude, excellent strategic thinking and plenty of local and regional street smarts were assets in this decision making process. Absence of client conflict was also an important factor. The divisions within PM&A are PM&A Advertising and PLUS Public Relations.

“Indeed,” Roberto Ortiz de Paz, President and Chief Operating Officer said, “this new millennium is an exciting challenging period with an aggressive agenda; additional staffing rather than trimming is the operative philosophy. Premier Euro RSCG with its 100 employee, looks at their affiliation with Euro RSCG as a strong motivator to go after the number one position by maximizing its local and US Hispanic market expertise with the resources and global vision of the network. Our clients will now have available a wealth of international resources and experience at their reach.”