Issuemakers will be acquired by the Rud Pedersen Group (RP Group) as of September 1, 2024. RP Group is the largest European group of public affairs and strategic communications agencies. The acquisition marks an important step for both organizations, with benefits for both clients and employees. 

European cooperation for greater impact 

The RP Group network offers Issuemakers a wealth of additional knowledge and experience on a European scale. This means that Issuemakers can better support its clients in advocacy in the EU, the international roll-out of communication and cooperation with partners in other European countries. This is highly relevant for governments, companies and social organisations.

Sybrig van Keep: “The discussions in the public debate are becoming increasingly complex and European legislation is becoming increasingly decisive. As part of the Rud Pedersen Group, we can advise our clients even better on the latest European developments and trends and help them achieve their strategic goals. And our employees get the chance to work together internationally with colleagues from all over Europe, from London to Sofia and from Stockholm to Madrid.”

With this step, the Rud Pedersen Group expands its European presence to the Netherlands. The group is now active in 19 European countries. It did not yet have a branch in the Netherlands.

Morten Rud Pedersen, founder and CEO of the Rud Pedersen Group: “Issues do not stop at national borders. We believe in the power of cross-border collaboration to tackle societal challenges such as climate change and social inequality. Issuemakers has a unique market position in the Netherlands. The company’s values match those of the group and we are very much looking forward to working together.” 

Continuity and strengthening of services 

Mayke van Keep and Sybrig van Keep, who founded Issuemakers together in 2008, will continue as managing directors. Mayke van Keep: “We are pleased with this acquisition. The Rud Pedersen Group values and respects our approach. For our clients, nothing will change in the daily collaboration. We will retain our own Issuemakers culture. This means that our clients can continue to count on the same personal and committed approach that they know and appreciate. Issues remain an important point of attention for us and a starting point for advice. We are strengthening our services because we now have access to the expertise and knowledge of more than 600 European colleagues.” 

Future and growth 

As part of the RP Group, Issuemakers can continue to grow both qualitatively and quantitatively. “The European strength of the Rud Pedersen Group offers us the opportunity to further expand our strong foundation and to support our clients even better with a broader European network,” says Mayke van Keep. “We look forward to a future in which we create new opportunities together, strengthen our substantive strength and increase our social impact.” 

About Rud Pederson Group 

Rud Pedersen Group is a leading European public affairs and strategic communications group with over 600 employees in 19 countries. Founded in 2003 by Morten Rud Pedersen, RP Group was named “EMEA Public Affairs Consultancy of the Year” at the 2023 Sabre Awards.  

The clients of the RP Group range from large international companies to local start-ups, public institutions and interest groups. The RP Group advises clients in the areas of policy, reputation, contacts with governments and other stakeholders, crises, marketing communications and HR. Since its foundation, the RP Group has built long-term relationships with its clients and has continued to grow based on strong values: transparency, pragmatism, accessibility and effectiveness. The focus is on investing in people and solving the challenges of today and tomorrow.

Read more on the website of the Rud Pedersen Group