NEW YORK, January 23—Factiva, an online news and business information service operated by Dow Jones and Reuters, has retained Hill and Knowlton as its strategic communications counsel. The company is seeking to reposition itself to the C-level business community in the U.S. and U.K.
 
The firm won out over fellow finalists Edelman Public Relations Worldwide and Ruder Finn.
 
“Factiva chose Hill and Knowlton based on its proven ability to shift firms from niche areas of expertise into the top-tier business arena,” says Patricia Bridges, vice president of global public relations at Factiva, which provides Internet access to news from 8,000 sources and customized information solutions.
 
“Factiva has already established itself as a leader in the information distribution space,” says H&K president Paul Taaffe. “ We’re glad to have an opportunity to help the company take the next step in positioning itself in the broader business community.”
 
The account will be led by Vince Hulbert, the deputy director of New York’s corporate and financial practice, and will draw on the firn’s expertise in media, corporate and technology communications.