By Georgina Brennan

PUBLIC relations giant Financial Dynamics has been sold for $260 million to FTI Consulting, Inc.

The firm, run in the U.S. by Tipperary native Declan Kelly, 38, has already started integration into FTI, a premier provider of problem-solving consulting and technology services to major corporations, financial institutions and law firms.

The deal is already made and is understood to be the largest amount ever for a PR firm, but it will not be official until the end of the month.

However, Kelly is delighted with the news. “We are delighted with this transaction. We have been given an opportunity to be in business with one of the most admired companies in the industry,” Kelly told the Irish Voice from his office in downtown Manhattan.

Financial Dynamics a global strategic business and financial communications consulting firm, based in London, employs over 450 people in 17 offices situated in major business and capital market locations in Europe, the U.S., Asia, the Middle East and South Africa.

It is one of the world’s largest business and financial communications consultancies and provides a comprehensive range of solutions critical to today’s corporate boardroom. FD advises over 750 clients, including many of the world’s leading corporations, and is expected to exceed $120 million in revenue for 2006.

“FD has senior level, deeply ingrained, trusted advisor relationships with businesses and governments in important financial centers throughout the world. These relationships will allow us to expand and grow our ‘gold standard’ practices into new markets through FD, a widely recognized and trusted brand,” said Jack Dunn, FTI’s president and chief executive officer in a statement.

Kelly agreed. “This is a match made in heaven. Ending up inside a company such as FTI was our strategy,” he said.

Kelly said Financial Dynamics had made a series of acquisitions and movements over its three-year life with the goal of ending up exactly where they are today.

The Deutsche Bank funded purchase price for the acquisition is made up of $215 million in cash, $20 million in notes and deferred purchase obligations and $25 million of restricted FTI stock.

Kelly, an avid golf fan, admitted he would like some time for his favorite sport, but this deal does not provide that.

“Although I would like to play a bit more golf I have remained as CEO in New York and will join the executive board of FTI. There are a world of reasons to continue to participate. This kind of opportunity is something that most people only dream of.”