An exclusive affiliation agreement has been stamped between Ketchum and Recognition Public Relations, Australia's largest IT-oriented PR firm, in an effort to expand its technological girth to the Asia Pacific region. The deal gives Recognition access to Ketchum's 21 offices in Asia Pacific, including the agency's menu of tech training and professional development programs.Toronto-based Maxxcomm, Canada's largest full-service marcom group, has acquired ACCENT Marketing Services in Louisville, Ky. ACCENT specializes in direct marketing for clients such as Sprint, Sears, Humana and Zenith.BSMG Worldwide has streamlined its senior management to pack more of a global punch. Jack Leslie becomes chairman. Andy Polansky, Barbara Molotsky and Tim Sutton join Ted Pincus as vice chairmen. Harris Diamond remains CEO, but assumes the additional title of president. The new structure is designed to promote "cross-fertilization" among the firm's practice areas and worldwide operations. BSMG is a unit of True North Communications.
(Ketchum Hong Kong, 852/2566-1311; Maxxcomm, via Colle McVoy, 612/820-9228; BSMG, 212/445-8127.)