Chime Communications completes Bell Pottinger sale

Chime Communications has announced the completion of its divestiture of Bell Pottinger to BPP Communications, as originally announced last month.

The transaction has been identified by the company as a key element of its future growth plans, as it allows Chime to concentrate on core areas of the business.

Following the completion of the deal, Lord Bell and Piers Pottinger have resigned as directors of the company, while senior non-executive director Rodger Hughes takes up the role of chairman.

Chime has also announced the appointment of Chris Sweetland – deputy group finance director of WPP – to a non-executive director role, while it is also commencing a search for a new non-executive chairman.

Christopher Satterthwaite, chief executive of Chime Communications, said: "Chime has been evolving into an international communications and sports marketing group, and the disposal of Bell Pottinger gives greater focus to that strategy."

The Chime group now consists of four divisions and 51 companies, with more than 1,500 people employed worldwide.