Manning Selvage & Lee to Launch Lebara Mobile in the UK

Manning Selvage & Lee (MS&L) has been selected as the public relations communications partner by mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) Lebara Corporation.  Lebara is the fourth fastest growing company in the UK according to the 2006 Sunday Times Fast Track100 list of Britain’s fastest growing private companies.  MS&L London will lead the account.

Founded in 2001, Lebara’s aim is to help bring friends, families and colleagues closer together using advanced communications technology.  It offers communications services in 17 countries including six European mobile operations, and helps customers save money by delivering low-cost international calling.  The firm has designed its services to be readily accessible to its customers, easy to use, and tailored to their needs.  Its mobile operations are in Switzerland, the Netherlands, Denmark, Norway, Sweden and Spain.

Lebara appointed MS&L following an RFI and pitch process including a number of other firms.

“Lebara is a rapidly growing business which has enjoyed tremendous success across Europe and MS&L is pleased to be a partner for such an ambitious company,” said Stuart Wilson, CEO of MS&L London.  “The Lebara win is recognition of our capacity to design campaigns that reach a broad range of audiences, from technology analysts to community groups.”

MS&L’s first task will be to support Lebara Mobile’s launch in the UK by delivering consumer, business, trade and ethnic media relations outreach, press office support and ongoing consultancy to the company.

“Having assessed a number of communications agencies over the past couple of months, MS&L was the best fit for our needs, both from a services perspective and a team spirit,” said Jon Fawcett, Head of Group Marketing at Lebara.  “They remained flexible and responsive to our needs throughout the whole process.”

The agreement between MS&L and Lebara commenced at the beginning of October and fees for the account are undisclosed.  The account will be coordinated out of MS&L’s London corporate team under the leadership of Justin Hayward, head of technology and telecommunications.

About Manning Selvage & Lee
MS&L is one of the world's leading global public relations firms.  We achieve our mission - to be more important to our clients - by delivering world class media relations, acting as partners and advisors, powering clients' businesses with proven methods and tools for strategic planning, corporate and product branding, corporate reputation, crisis management, and stakeholder relations. 

MS&L is a member of the Publicis Groupe (Euronext Paris: 13057, NYSE: PUB), whose activities span 109 countries on six continents and include advertising, media counsel and buying, marketing services and specialized communications.  For more information, visit www.publicisgroupe.com.

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