Adfactors PR has acquired a majority stake in SenateSHJ, an Australian-based independent communication consultancy.

This adds to Adfactors' international markets which include Sri Lanka and Singapore currently.

SenateSHJ will retain its identity, client teams under the leadership of co-founder and chair Angela Scaffidi AM, and chief executive officer Darren Behar.

The business will continue to operate from its offices in Sydney and Melbourne. Chief executive officer of Adfactors PR, Nijay N Nair, who also leads all M&A and global initiatives, will join the SenateSHJ board.

Madan Bahal, co-founder and managing director, Adfactors PR, said, “SenateSHJ is a formidable business with an outstanding reputation, exceptional leadership and proven expertise in solving complex communication challenges. There is a strong alignment in the way our two organisations think about the world, clients, people and the role we can play in shaping the future. "

He added, "India and Australia are emerging as a strategic business corridor, and we trust the new partnership will help clients in both markets to create new opportunities in the wider Asia Pacific region. We hope to explore more opportunities in the region to create a strong Asia Pacific presence.”

Rajesh Chaturvedi, co-founder and chairperson, Adfactors PR, said, “We have had the privilege of serving India Inc. for the last 29 years through many cycles in the global and domestic business environment. I am happy that with this new partnership our relationship capital will expand to a significant market like Australia.”

Scaffidi AM, said, “We’re incredibly proud of the business SenateSHJ has become over the past 24 years – our people, the work we do and our relationships with clients. We have built a relationship of deep trust with Adfactors PR over the past decade. We feel a deep connection to the way they think and feel about the world, their people and the work they do with clients. There is strong alignment and great respect. The problems clients bring us increasingly cross borders. Being part of a group with real scale across India, Asia Pacific and beyond means we can help them with more of those problems – without changing what has made this firm what it is.”