Western Union Selects APCO Worldwide as Agency of Record in Europe
London (September 3, 2009) – APCO Worldwide is Western Union’s communication agency of record in Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States following a competitive pitch process, Edward Walsh, managing director of APCO’s London office and executive director in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, announced today.
Western Union’s brief focuses on corporate affairs support, which involves media relations and thought-leadership efforts as well as associated public affairs and stakeholder management. APCO is coordinating Western Union’s media and thought-leadership activity across a number of European markets, including the UK, France, Spain, Italy and the Benelux countries, and will work with incumbent agencies in other territories. APCO is also assisting Western Union with the integration of the newly acquired agent network FMT, formerly the money transfer business of Fexco.
“We are absolutely delighted that Western Union has chosen to engage APCO as their agency of record in Europe,” said Walsh. “Western Union is a dynamic, rapidly growing business which consistently demonstrates exceptional performance and continues to operate profitably in adverse market conditions. It is a universally recognised brand renowned for its efficiency, convenience and excellent service, as well as for supporting local communities in all the markets in which it operates. We are extremely pleased to be working with Western Union.”
Commenting on the selection of APCO, Angela Heng, vice president of corporate affairs for Western Union in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia-Pacific, said: “We look forward to working with APCO on realising Western Union's ambitious goals. Corporate communications is one of Western Union's key priorities, and we will continue maintaining a constructive dialogue with our diverse stakeholder base. It is my pleasure to welcome the APCO team on board.”
About Western Union
The Western Union Company (NYSE: WU) is a leader in global payment services. Together with its Vigo, Orlandi Valuta and Pago Facil branded payment services, Western Union provides consumers with fast, reliable and convenient ways to send and receive money around the world, as well as send payments and purchase money orders. Western Union, Vigo and Orlandi Valuta operate through a combined network of more than 385,000 Agent locations in 200 countries and territories. Famous for its pioneering telegraph services, the original Western Union dates back to 1851. For more information, visit www.westernunion.com.
About APCO Worldwide
Founded in 1984, APCO Worldwide is an award-winning, independently owned global communication consultancy with offices in major cities throughout the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., APCO clients include corporations and governments; industry associations and nonprofit organizations; and seven of the top 10 companies on Fortune’s Global 500. APCO offers services related to business and finance; media, public opinion and society; and government and public policy. The firm is a majority women-owned business. For more information, please visit www.apcoworldwide.com.
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