HONG KONG —College Group has entered China via the acquisition of PR People, a consultancy with offices in Hong Kong, Shanghai and Beijing.

The deal, which sees College Group acquire all of PR People, extends the UK PR firm's existing Hong Kong presence into mainland China. 

PR People, which was founded by Uhi Hui in 2004, brings more than 20 staffers across the three offices, along with key clients such as China Light & Power and Larry.

Hui becomes a managing partner alongside College Group Hong Kong head Anne Pang. PR People will lose its name and move to the College Group brand next year.

Hui told the Holmes Report that the deal was a "win-win situation." "For clients, I would like to bring more comprehensive services," she said. "In terms of staff development, now they have an international arena."

The acquisition is the first Asian deal College Group has made since it was bought by private equity firm Vitruvian Partners in late 2011. It comes after the firm launched in Dubai earlier this year, and adds to existing operations in London, Cologne, New York and Johannesburg.

 “To have a significant presence in China is a major step forward for our rapidly growing global corporate practice," said College Group corporate practice managing partner Tim Fallon. "PR People are one of the most highly recognised and respected agencies in the region, and I'm excited to have the chance to work alongside them on major international client assignments in the future.”