LONDON — Strategic communications consultancy Portland has acquired Doha-based Forbes Associates to support its growth in the Middle East.

Portland opened its Doha office in 2014 to service its clients in Qatar. With the acquisition of Forbes Associates, Portland now has a team of 20 in Doha across its corporate, government advisory, global impact, and content and brand practices, with an international network of more than 250 consultants.

Patrick Forbes, founder of Forbes Associates (pictured, right, with Portland managing partner Steve Morris), joins Portland as a partner in its corporate practice.

Forbes said: “I founded Forbes Associates in Qatar almost 11 years ago and I am incredibly proud of what the agency achieved. I have always said that I would not sell the business unless the right partner came along. With its reputation for high-quality, strategic communications work, I am delighted to have found the right partner in Portland and I am excited to stay on as partner.”

Portland’s Middle East general manager Justin Kerr-Stevens said the acquisition was “an important part of our growth strategy in this region. We have a healthy new business pipeline and I am confident that we will continue to grow in the Middle East.”