Hakuhodo's kyu Acquires Strategic Communications Consultancy Lexington in the UK

Hakuhodo DY Holdings Inc. has announced that its strategic operating unit kyu has acquired Lexington Limited, a strategic communications consultancy headquartered in London, UK.

Lexington is the UK’s leading strategic communications and government affairs consultancy, delivering positive change to shape the future for businesses, organizations and society. With expertise across the media and politics, Lexington does more than navigate challenges and mitigate crises, they pave new ways by engaging audiences, breaking barriers and driving new ideas. Lexington offers a wide array of consulting services from public policy and government affairs, healthcare, corporate communications, responsible business, environment, social and governance, property and planning to digital and design.

Lexington’s philosophy is closely aligned with kyu’s purpose - to be a source of creativity which propels the economy and society forward, and its stated mission is to help organisations 'Shape Tomorrow'.

Lexington joining the Group enhances not only kyu’s but the entire Hakuhodo DY Group’s ability to provide value.

The Hakuhodo DY Group will continue working to realise its basic medium-term strategies and contribute to the growth of its international operations, and hence its profits, by enhancing specialisation and innovation within the group through kyu.

The impact of the acquisition of shares in Lexington on Hakuhodo DY Holdings Inc.’s consolidated performance in the year ending March 31, 2023 will not be material.

Mike Craven, chair and founding partner of Lexington, said: “I founded Lexington nearly 25 years ago and am immensely proud of all we have achieved. Lexington has doubled in size in the last three years. I want Lexington to continue to broaden and deepen its offer. We need a strategic partner to help boost our growth and kyu is the right partner for us to achieve that. They are an amazing group of companies in complementary disciplines, which will help us develop new products and services for our clients and help us expand our reach into a bigger global market.

“On a personal note, I have known Michael Birkin for over 30 years and his experience and knowledge will be of immense value to Lexington in the coming years.”

Michael Birkin, CEO of kyu, said: “Lexington is truly one of the UK’s leading strategic communications agencies. From the very start of kyu, we have recognized that if we are to wield the influence and impact we both aspire and need to, we will need colleagues who understand the corridors of power and the media that influence them. Lexington brings direct experience of Whitehall, Westminster and the wider centers of power to deliver strategic advice and smart, insightful campaigns for their clients. They are simply the right company to help kyu expand into new terrains.”