Powerful PR firm BerlinRosen has become the largest investor in Derris, a brand consultancy with big-name banking and technology clients.

BerlinRosen in April became the first PR firm to nab Observer’s #1 Best PR Agency in America award for two straight years. It has a client roster to match: the firm works with mega-brands like Samsung, Bloomberg and Macy’s, as well as about 500 others.

Derris keeps a lower profile but also boasts big-name clients. The firm has written press releases for the likes of eyeglass brand Warby Parker and works with numerous tech startups.

The deal is a sign that business continues to go well for BerlinRosen.

The firm grew revenues by 25% in 2021 and has more than 250 workers across several major cities.

Before buying Derris, BerlinRosen acquired a majority stake in D.C.-based creative communications practice Glen Echo Group earlier this year.

With its investments in Derris and Glen Echo Group, BerlinRosen is following a somewhat different playbook than industry giants such as WPP, which usually buy smaller firms outright instead of picking up majority stakes.

Acquiring a smaller industry player is a time-efficient way for big players to grow their operations. Instead of investing months in setting up a new business unit, a deep-pocketed PR firm can simply buy a competitor and get the equivalent of a new business unit for a fraction of the time and effort.

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