Cicero & Bernay Expands Into Sudan

Cicero & Bernay Public Relations (C&B) has strengthened its strong MENA region network capabilities by expanding into Sudan through a new strategic affiliation with Katia International. The partnership will see C&B building on its expertise in the growing Sudanese market, where the agency has previously been recognised with an International Stevie Award for its 'Capo Captures Sudanese Hearts and Minds' campaign with Blue Nile Dairy Company.

Maysa-Jana Atoui, Director of Business Development at C&B, commented: “Sudan is an emerging and promising market for communication, and following our Stevie award-winning campaign, we are pleased to be reconnecting with the country in partnership with Katia International. This is part of our wider strategy to enhance our MENA presence by expanding to all Arabic speaking countries, strongly building a regional and global network of communication experts, offering our services to multinational corporations, and increasing our diverse portfolio of clients.”

Founded in 2002, Katia International is a leading Sudanese business conglomerate and one of the country’s most respected corporations. The group is actively engaged in multiple sectors including advertising, automotive, digital, construction, energy, medical and telecoms; among the clients in its prestigious portfolio are The Presidency of the Republic of Sudan, the Sudanese French Bank, and Zain Group.

Mohammed Eltayeb Mustafa, General Manager of Katia International, commented: “We are proud to be affiliated with C&B and to become part of a network that includes the MENA region’s top communicators. We look forward to working in close partnership with C&B to share our knowledge and bring the agency’s expertise to the Sudanese market, where there is excellent potential for growth.”

C&B’s agreement with Katia International includes the provision of public relations services, on-ground support, and development of targeted communication and PR strategies that cater to the Sudanese market. Katia International will lend C&B important insights while it expands its regional influence, and the two companies will also collaboratively exchange best practices to further professional development.

The agreement is the latest in a successful string of new affiliations for C&B, including in Algeria and Tunisia with Kalima Communications; Iraq and Jordan with Bashir Mraish Consultancy; Kuwait with Local Flavor; Saudi Arabia with Y&D; and Turkey with Miya PR & SM. By the end of 2017, C&B will have offices in 18 markets, giving the agency unrivalled regional scope.

C&B is part of The Publicity Network (Publinet), a marketing communication group that includes specialised entities for creative consultancy, digital and social media solutions, event management, branding consultancy, experiential marketing and video production.