NEW YORK—Omnicom’s DAS Group of Companies, which include its public affairs and public relations businesses, has acquired DDC Advocacy, a Washington, DC-based firm known for technology-based public affairs and grassroots communications. The deal includes Democracy Direct, DDC’s proprietary constituent relationship management platform, and capabilities that include integrated campaign  services, including paid and earned media, experiential events, and constituent outreach through field operatives and its advocacy centers; strategic planning and media buying; market research, including audience modeling and microtargeting, geospatial social media, and database cluster/mapping analyses; and marketing automation platforms, including hosted websites and database management for political action committees.

SAO PAULO—Ketchum has increased its investment to a significant majority position in its operations in Brazil. Previously, Ketchum owned a minority stake in the operation, which has been its partner in Brazil since 1997. The firm will be rebranded as Ketchum, from Ketchum Estrategia, effective immediately but will continue to be led by its co-founders, CEO Valeria Perito and COO Rosana Monteiro. Longtime associate Regina Gobbo, senior vice president, will also play a leading role.

MADRID—DeVries Global (pictured) has formed an affiliate relationship with Spanish agency Lina Ortas Comunicación. DeVries Global’s clients include Procter & Gamble, Zippo, Celebrity Cruises, KOLON Sport, Accolade Wines, and Boston Beer Company (Sam Adams), while Lina Ortas works with clients including such firms as Schweppes, Kellogg’s, and Sunny Delight, plus regional brands such as Damel and La Casera.

ATLANTA—Calysto Communications, a specialist in the mobile, wireless and telecom industries, has launched ContentPlus, which provides custom content for organizations. The offer includes a team of senior-level writers, focused on current trends and technologies driving the mobile, wireless and telecom industry.