Rud Pedersen enters Dutch market with acquisition of Issuemakers

Marking its fourth market entry investment in the past 12 months, Rud Pedersen Group today announces the acquisition of leading Dutch strategic communications agency, Issuemakers.  With this long-planned strategic move into The Netherlands, Rud Pedersen has further extended its unique geographic footprint, offering political engagement, stakeholder relations and corporate communications counsel across 19 European markets.

Morten Rud Pedersen, Founder and CEO of Rud Pedersen Group, commented on the acquisition: 

“We have been active in The Netherlands already for a number of years. As a result of ever-increasing demand from our clients, we are thrilled that we have found the right partner in Issuemakers to formalise our presence in the Dutch market. 

Issuemakers has a unique market position in The Netherlands. They are expert agenda setters, and we increasingly see the need to combine high level public relations and issue management alongside public affairs – both in this ever more dynamic Dutch market and across Europe.  Sybrig, Mayke and the whole Issuemakers team align well with our core values rooted in our Nordic origins - and we are excited to welcome them to the Rud Pedersen team.” 

Issuemakers was founded in in 2008 by Mayke van Keep and Sybrig van Keep. Together they bring decades of experience in strategy, communications and raising issues to the political and social agenda. They are co-authors of the book ‘Issue thinking, Real bosses make an impact’ and have both been named on TheNextWomen100 list. 

Mayke van Keep Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Issuemakers commented:  
"We are pleased with this acquisition. The RP Group appreciates and respects our approach and are strengthening our services as we now have access to the expertise and knowledge of over 600 international colleagues." 

Sybrig van Keep, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Issuemakers commented on the acquisition:  
“Discussions in the public sphere are becoming increasingly complex, and European legislation is becoming more decisive. As part of Rud Pedersen Group, we can better advise our clients on the latest European developments and trends and help them achieve their strategic goals. Moreover, our employees will have the opportunity to collaborate internationally with colleagues from across Europe, from London to Sofia and Stockholm to Madrid." 

Mayke van Keep and Sybrig van Keep will remain as Managing Directors of Issuemakers meaning clients can continue to count on the same personal and engaged approach they know and value. Working with issues will remain a key focus and starting point for the Group’s advisory services in The Netherlands.

--- 

About Issuemakers

Issuemakers was founded in 2008 by Mayke and Sybrig van Keep. The agency advises its clients on social and political issues that are or could become important to their reputation, profiling, and business continuity. It challenges its clients to see issues as opportunities rather than risks and to act accordingly. With its issue-focused approach, the agency often operates at the intersection of policy and communication, with a focus on content and impact. Issuemakers works for a diverse group of clients, including companies, government institutions, and social organizations. Since its inception, it has published the Issue Calendar annually, made the Issue Award possible, and organized the Issue Congress in January to highlight important developments in the field. 

About Rud Pedersen Group
The Rud Pedersen Group is a partner-led and independently owned public affairs and strategic communications agency. Founded in 2003 by Morten Rud Pedersen in Sweden, the agency has grown from a single-person operation to over 600 highly specialized partners and employees, operating in 19 offices across 18 European countries. Rud Pedersen specialises in government relations, public and regulatory affairs, communications, and issue management. By combining a deep understanding of political systems and influencing mechanisms with public relations expertise, Rud Pedersen assists clients in navigating societal, political, and market dynamics relevant to their businesses. The agency equips clients with the tools needed to achieve their business objectives through public affairs and communication efforts at local, national, and EU levels.