Franco, a Detroit-based integrated communications agency, has acquired Bianchi Public Relations (BPR) in Troy in a move that brings together two agencies in the automotive and mobility market. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
The acquisition is aligned with Franco’s strategy to continue growing with strong talent and client partnerships.
BPR’s employees will transition into Franco through a gradual integration that prioritizes client service and the preservation of culture. BPR’s clients will receive uninterrupted service from their account teams and have access to Franco’s full breadth of PR, marketing, digital, and creative services.
Founded in 1992 by Jim Bianchi, BPR specializes in automotive, mobility, technology, and related professional services. Franco shares deep roots in the industry, working with many suppliers, associations, events, and related technology companies over more than six decades.
Franco is women-owned and operated by CEO Tina Kozak, COO and President Tina Benvenuti Sullivan, and CMO Nikki Little. Both Kozak and Benvenuti Sullivan have close ties with BPR. Kozak started her PR career there as an intern in 2001, and Benvenuti Sullivan worked for the agency from 1998-2007.
“Tina and I learned so much working for Jim Bianchi early in our careers and have continued to admire him as a friendly competitor over the years,” says Kozak. “BPR’s strong reputation was built one relationship at a time — with its clients and industry media alike. Our shared approach to partnerships and team culture is what will make this deal a success.”
Bianchi will support the transition and integration of the BPR clients and employees and plans to remain part of the combined team as a senior mobility consultant.
“I am immensely proud of the work our agency has done for our clients over the past 33 years and the talented professionals who have stayed with BPR — ranging from 14 to 29 years — to support our success,” Bianchi says. “When considering my succession, it was most important to me that my clients and team would be taken good care of. Knowing Franco’s leaders for decades, I’m inspired by their energy and vision and confident our teams will continue to deliver excellence to clients in the industry we serve.”
Benvenuti Sullivan says, “With BPR’s focus on providing PR services to auto suppliers and industry associations, strong reputation in the supplier industry and global network, we see this as a great opportunity to continue strengthening our experience in the automotive and mobility space.”
 in Troy in a move that brings together two agencies in the automotive and mobility market. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.){kind=link}