Beijing, China, January 8, 2004 – Fleishman-Hillard International Communications, one of the world’s leading public relations firms, announced today that it has formed a strategic alliance with Pegasus Communications, a fast-growing agency based in Beijing. The new alliance builds upon a number of successful cooperative ventures between the two firms, including a crisis management and media-training program for a leading domestic manufacturer, and is aimed to bring more comprehensive services to each firm’s local clients.

(Left: Steven Cao; Right: Li Hong)

“Both Fleishman-Hillard and Pegasus bring great passion to this strategic alliance because we both want to extend our reach into markets besides those we have been serving in the past, namely Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou. Our service range will also expand from public relations for traditional enterprises and products to intimate communications focusing on different markets and different clients plus direct promotional activities for consumers,” said Mr. Li Hong, Fleishman Hillard China managing director. “This alliance creates a brand-new mode for closer cooperation between international communication firms and local agencies. Fleishman-Hillard brings to our partnership a wide range of professional expertise, a strong culture of client service, and cutting-edge international marketing communications capabilities, combined with a powerful international network. Pegasus, as a fast-growing local agency, has extensive local resources and a proven ability to execute client programs. Together, we can provide tremendous value to both domestic and foreign companies who aim to develop opportunities in the China market.”

“After establishing this alliance, Pegasus and Fleishman-Hillard will become a professional team with more than 60 staff serving Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, making us one of the largest PR powers in the China market,” said Mr. Steven Cao, managing director of Pegasus. “Pegasus’s integrated marketing communications capability will add particular value to the alliance. We can provide our clients with the kind of comprehensive solutions that are so important to quickly developing domestic brands. ”

(Left: Steven Cao; Middle: Zheng Yannong; Right: Li Hong)

This new alliance will service clients in a number of traditional PR areas, including media relations, market promotion, information technology, and financial communications. The two partners will also cooperate to offer clients such capabilities as brand communication consulting, public affairs, government relations, database marketing and sales, network promotion, and corporate sponsorships.

China International Public Relations Association Executive Vice President and Secretary General, Mr. Zheng Yannong honored the alliance-signing press conference with his presence and stated: “The alliance between Fleishman Hillard and Pegasus Communications is one of the strongest in China’s PR industry, and will be extremely helpful in developing the industry further. So I wish both firms a great success!”

Fleishman-Hillard Inc., one of the world's leading public relations firms, has built its reputation on using strategic communications to deliver what its clients value most: meaningful, positive, and measurable impact on the performance of their organizations. The firm is widely recognized for excellent client service and a strong company culture founded on teamwork, integrity, and personal commitment. Based in St. Louis, the firm operates throughout North America, Europe, Asia, Latin America, Australia, and South Africa through its 83 owned offices. The firm operates in mainland China as Fleishman-Hillard Link, Ltd., a majority-owned joint venture between Fleishman-Hillard and Beijing Link Public Relations. For more information, visit the Fleishman-Hillard Web site at www.fleishman.com.

Fleishman-Hillard is a part of Omnicom Group Inc. (NYSE: OMC), a leading global marketing and corporate communications company. Omnicom's branded networks and numerous specialty firms provide advertising, strategic media planning and buying, direct and promotional marketing, public relations, and other specialty communications services to over 5,000 clients in more than 100 countries.

Pegasus Communications Company Profile:

In early 2002, Pegasus Communications was established by a group of seasoned professionals from the public relations and marketing industries. Clinging to an international standard of service and relying on a precise understanding of the local environment, the firm strives provide the most professional and effective communications consultancy service to its clients, so as to enhance the clients’ brand values. Since its formation, Pegasus has extended its service from traditional PR to brand strategy, end-user promotions and integrated marketing communications. Pegasus’ past clients and brands included consumer goods, automobiles, real estate, industrial automation, communications and government agencies.

Pegasus Communications is headquartered in Beijing and owns a representative office in Shanghai. It currently has 34 staff members. For more information, visit the company website at www.realpegasus.com