GP Bullhound Advised TrailRunner International on Its Acquisition by Public Policy Holding Company
Public Policy Holding Company, Inc. (“PPHC” or “the Group”), a leading government relations and public affairs group, announced today its binding agreement to acquire TrailRunner International (“TrailRunner”), marking a major expansion of the Group’s capabilities into strategic and financial communications.
Founded in 2016, TrailRunner brings over 80 full-time professionals across eight global offices to PPHC’s network. The acquisition significantly expands PPHC’s footprint with new offices in high-growth U.S. markets, including Dallas/Fort Worth, TX; Nashville, TN; and New York City. It also strengthens the Group’s existing presence in Northern California and London while adding key new capabilities in Shanghai, Abu Dhabi, and Dubai. TrailRunner enhances PPHC’s offerings in corporate affairs, financial communications, litigation communications, crisis management, and sports through its specialized TrailRunner Sports practice.
TrailRunner’s extensive client roster complements PPHC’s portfolio of over 1,200 corporations, including nearly half of the Fortune 500, as well as leading trade organizations, non-profits, and government entities.
Greg Smith, Partner at GP Bullhound, commented: “TrailRunner has become a trusted advisor, handling some of the most pivotal communications efforts for its clients. Jim Wilkinson and his team have built a business with a compelling and differentiated offering, delivering significant, industry-leading growth. PPHC is the ideal partner for the next stage of their evolution. We have a longstanding relationship with their CEO, Stewart Hall, having sold his first business to WPP in 2005. We have tremendous respect for the model he’s built at PPHC and believe TrailRunner will thrive as part of the company.”
Jim Wilkinson, Founder and Executive Chairman of TrailRunner, said: “GP Bullhound is a trusted partner that successfully created a highly competitive process, connecting us with an outstanding partner in PPHC. They clearly have industry-leading credentials in representing corporate communications businesses in highly successful transactions.”
Stewart Hall, CEO of PPHC, stated: “The acquisition of TrailRunner marks a transformational moment for PPHC as we deepen our U.S. presence and establish ourselves as a truly global strategic communications group. This expansion significantly advances our strategy of building the world’s most comprehensive provider of government relations and corporate communications services.”
Jim Hughes, CEO of TrailRunner International, remarked: “We are excited about this opportunity to accelerate our growth further as part of the PPHC family. From our very first conversations with Stewart and the PPHC team, it was clear there is strong alignment between our cultures and shared vision for the long-term opportunities in corporate advisory. TrailRunner’s robust capabilities across strategic communications complement PPHC’s strengths in government relations, public affairs, and public policy. We look forward to joining forces to help even more clients worldwide build and maintain the stakeholder support they need to achieve their business objectives.”
The deal, set to close by April 1, 2025, represents PPHC’s fifth significant acquisition since its 2021 IPO, establishing the Group as a truly global player in strategic communications services.
About PPHC
Public Policy Holding Company (PPHC) is a leading government relations and public affairs group, providing comprehensive solutions for organizations navigating complex policy and communications challenges. For five consecutive years, PPHC has been recognized in legal disclosures as the largest provider of U.S. federal and state lobbying services. PPHC has expanded its services to include public affairs, research, and grassroots campaigning in the U.S. and internationally. With the addition of TrailRunner, PPHC now operates through 11 subsidiaries globally.
About TrailRunner International
TrailRunner International is a rapidly growing global strategic communications advisory firm providing crisis communications, financial communications, litigation communications, and ongoing corporate communications support to top enterprises, institutions, and individuals worldwide. The firm also has a robust sports portfolio through its TrailRunner International Sports business, offering strategic business advisory and communications support to sports clients globally. Headquartered in Dallas/Fort Worth, TrailRunner operates offices in New York, Nashville, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, London, Shanghai, and Truckee.
For Enquiries, please contact:
Greg Smith, Partner, at greg.smith@gpbullhound.com
Oliver Schweitzer, Managing Director, at oliver.schweitzer@gpbullhound.com
About GP Bullhound
GP Bullhound is a leading technology advisory and investment firm, providing transaction advice and capital to the world’s best entrepreneurs and founders. Founded in 1999 in London and Menlo Park, the firm today has 13 offices spanning Europe the US and Asia. For more information, please visit www.gpbullhound.com.