Icquired

UK experiential firm, The Icon Group, has been bought by Chime Communications for $17.7 million (£11 million). Customers of the firm which began operations in 1949 include UEFA, FIFA, the Ryder Cup, the Boat Race, Abu Dhabi Motor Sports and LTA Wimbledon.

Chime said it "sees significant growth opportunities for Icon resulting from the Olympic Games in London in 2012 and in Rio in 2016 and in utilizing the contacts and relationships with major world sporting federations that Icon will bring to [Chime's] Sports Marketing division."

Chime Communication, which is listed on the London Stock Exchange, employs over 1,200 people throughout the world. It is the holding company for the public relations group, Bell Pottinger; advertising and marketing services groups, which includes VCCP and Teamspirit; sports marketing firms, Fast Track and Essentially; and a market research and engagement group, which includes Opinion Leader Research and Facts International.