Latest news with #PentaGroup


Associated Press
4 days ago
- Business
- Associated Press
Shamrock Capital Acquires Penta Group, the World's First Full-Scale Stakeholder Communications and Reputation Intelligence Firm
Investment to accelerate Penta's next phase of growth and unlock new capabilities to meet the needs of today's ever-changing communications landscape LOS ANGELES, Aug. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Shamrock Capital ('Shamrock'), a Los Angeles-based investment firm specializing in the media, entertainment, content, communications, sports, marketing and education sectors, today announced that it has made an investment in Penta Group ('Penta'), the world's first full-scale, integrated stakeholder communications and reputation intelligence firm, from Falfurrias Management Partners ('Falfurrias'). This investment will supercharge Penta's ability to deliver differentiated strategic advisory, data, insights, and technology offerings for large enterprises navigating complex stakeholder relations in an increasingly complicated and rapidly changing business, policy, and regulatory environment. Penta is a global leader in stakeholder communications, reputation management, and brand building, and was purpose built for the future of the communications landscape. The company combines proprietary AI and advanced data products with deep business, policy, and communications expertise to better define, predict, and manage challenges across all stakeholder groups, from policymakers and investors to customers and employees. Penta is headquartered in Washington D.C., with offices around the world including New York, San Francisco, London, Brussels, Paris, Dublin, Hong Kong and Singapore. Penta has experienced considerable growth over the past few years. Shamrock believes the acquisition of Penta will enable Penta to continue its rapid growth trajectory while further investing in its proprietary data, analytics and AI capabilities and building out its scaled global footprint. 'Penta is redefining what it means to be a trusted partner to global brands, by weaving data and insights into all components of its offering,' said Laura Held, Partner and member of the Executive Committee of Shamrock Capital. 'This approach enables them to provide trusted, data-driven counsel to C-suite executives facing complex decisions that impact their brand performance, stakeholder reputation and stock price. In the current market environment the stakes have never been higher, and Penta's approach is resonating strongly with global leaders across multiple sectors, from financial services and healthcare to technology and education.' 'We are excited to partner with Shamrock and capitalize on the exciting opportunity ahead,' said Matt McDonald, CEO of Penta Group. 'Their deep expertise in media, communications, marketing and technology, combined with their collaborative and growth-oriented approach, will be highly valuable as we continue to scale our innovative solutions globally and serve as an indispensable guide to an uncertain world. We are seeing a strong response to our unique approach with our Fortune 500 and global clients. People recognize a need for innovation in our space to meet the moment, and we are experiencing strong validation in the market for our offering. Over the next few years, we will continue to ambitiously expand our team and capabilities while continuing to deliver measurable results for clients.' Canaccord Genuity LLC served as financial advisor and McGuireWoods LLP served as legal counsel to Falfurrias and Penta on the transaction. BrightTower, LLC served as financial advisor and Morrison & Foerster LLP served as legal counsel to Shamrock. About Shamrock Capital Shamrock Capital is a Los Angeles-based investment firm with approximately $6.5 billion of assets under management as of March 31, 2025. Shamrock Capital invests exclusively in media, entertainment, communications, and related sectors through a multi-fund strategy centered on private equity investments, as well as ownership and financing of content and media rights. The firm was originally founded in 1978 as the family investment company for the late Roy E. Disney and has since evolved into an institutionally backed firm with a leading group of investors, including endowments, foundations, and sovereign wealth and pension funds. Shamrock Capital partners with strong management teams and takes an active, collaborative approach to creating value in each investment. For more information, visit About Penta Group Penta Group is the world's first comprehensive stakeholder solutions firm, combining analytics and advisory services to help clients understand, engage, and influence their most important audiences. By leveraging cutting-edge data and research, Penta delivers strategic insights that drive impact in an era of heightened complexity and rapid change. To learn more about Penta, visit About Falfurrias Falfurrias Capital Partners is an operationally focused middle-market private equity fund focused on investing in growth companies. The team is comprised of investors and proven operators, as well as in-house resources across strategy & market insights, risk & integration, talent, and technology. The fund is managed by Falfurrias Management Partners, a Charlotte-based private equity firm founded in 2006 by Hugh McColl Jr., former chairman and CEO of Bank of America; Marc Oken, former CFO of Bank of America; and Managing Partner Ed McMahan. The firm has raised $3.6 billion across seven funds and invests in growing, middle-market businesses in sectors where the firm's operational resources, relationships, and sector expertise can be employed to complement portfolio company executive teams in support of growth objectives. For more information, visit Media Contact Steve Hirsch [email protected] View original content: SOURCE Shamrock Capital Advisors, LLC

The Journal
29-05-2025
- Business
- The Journal
Former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar to be ‘honest and frank' in memoir set for release in September
FORMER TAOISEACH LEO Varadkar is set to release a memoir in September titled Speaking My Mind. In a post to social media, Varadkar remarked that the book is 'both personal and political' and that he hopes to 'give new insights' into his time in government. Varadkar was a TD for the Dublin West constituency from 2007 to 2024 and served as Taoiseach from 2017 to 2020, and again from 2022 until his shock resignation last year. He also served as minister across several portfolios. Last March, he announced his intention to step down as Taoiseach and remarked: 'After seven years in office, I am no longer the best person for that job.' Advertisement He added: 'I have nothing else lined up or in mind. No definite personal or political plans, but I am looking forward to having the time to think about them.' And in July, Varadkar then confirmed that he wouldn't stand in the upcoming 2024 general election. He remarked that the 'time has come to explore new options and opportunities' and that he never viewed himself as a 'career politician'. In the time since, Varadkar was named as a guest lecturer on public leadership as part of a new role as 'Hauser Leader' at Harvard University's Kennedy School Centre. He also landed a role with international public relations company Penta Group as a member of its Global Advisory Board and went to South Africa with former special forces soldier Ray Goggins to test his extreme outdoor expedition skills. Speaking on his upcoming book – due for release on 11 September – Varadkar said he has 'tried to be honest and frank, including mistakes and regrets as well as triumphs'. Varadkar added that he served in government 'at one of the most interesting periods in history – the aftermath of the economic crash, Brexit , transformative referendums and the pandemic .' Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal


BBC News
24-03-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Leo Varadkar to take up role with Washington based Penta Group
The former Taoiseach (Irish PM) Leo Varadkar is taking up a new role with a public relations Washington based Penta Group has announced the appointment of Mr Varadkar to its global advisory will join the company next on his appointment, Varadkar said: "In today's rapidly evolving world, integrating data and evidence into decision-making is more critical than ever." The company, which has a network of offices around the world, said the former Taoiseach's "expertise in navigating complex geopolitical landscapes, economic development, and progressive social change" will assist Penta's expansion to Matt McDonald, CEO of Penta Group, Varadkar's experience at the highest levels of government will help the company's clients to "navigate today's increasingly complex global environment".Varadkar served as Taoiseach from 2017 to 2020 and from 2022 to 2024 and was a key Irish and EU political player during Brexit announced his resignation as Taoiseach just over a year ago after serving 20 years as a public representative in the time, he described his period in public service as "the most fulfilling time of my life".Penta acquired the Irish public relations firm Hume Brophy, set up by John Hume, son of the former SDLP leader John Hume, and Dublin businessman Eoin Brophy, in McDevitt, a former MLA representing the SDLP at the Stormont Assembly, is president of Penta and managing partner for Europe and Asia.