Detroit-based Franco Acquires Bianchi PR
February 17, 2025
Franco Acquires Bianchi Public Relations to Accelerate Growth in Automotive & Mobility
DETROIT (Feb. 17, 2025) – Franco, a Detroit-based integrated communications agency, has acquired Bianchi Public Relations (BPR) in a strategic move that brings together two of the strongest agencies in the automotive and mobility market.
Franco has achieved strong year-over-year growth for the last several years by remaining committed to a people-first culture, innovation and an integrated approach to client programs, while BPR has maintained a roster of long-standing clients that are leaders in the automotive and mobility industry. The acquisition is aligned with Franco’s strategy to continue growing with strong talent and client partnerships.
BPR’s employees will transition into Franco through a gradual integration that prioritizes client service and the preservation of culture. BPR’s clients will receive uninterrupted service from their account teams and will have access to Franco’s full breadth of PR, marketing, digital and creative services.
Founded in 1992 by Jim Bianchi, BPR is well-known throughout the industry as a leading PR firm for automotive, mobility, technology and related professional services. Franco shares deep roots in the industry, working with many suppliers, associations, events and related technology companies over more than six decades. In 2024, Franco was ranked the top Michigan-owned firm to serve the transportation industry by O’Dwyer’s list of top PR firms.
Tina Kozak
Franco is women-owned and operated by Chief Executive Officer Tina Kozak, Chief Operating Officer and President Tina Benvenuti Sullivan, and Chief Marketing Officer Nikki Little. Both Kozak and Benvenuti Sullivan have close ties with BPR. Kozak started her PR career there as an intern in 2001, and Benvenuti Sullivan worked for the agency from 1998-2007.
“Tina and I learned so much working for Jim Bianchi early in our careers and have continued to admire him as a friendly competitor over the years,” said Kozak. “BPR’s strong reputation was built one relationship at a time – with its clients and industry media alike. Our shared approach to partnerships and team culture is what will make this deal a success.”
Bianchi will support the transition and integration of the BPR clients and employees and plans to remain part of the combined team as a senior mobility consultant.
“I am immensely proud of the work our agency has done for our clients over the past 33 years and the talented professionals who have stayed with BPR – ranging from 14 to 29 years – to support our success,” Bianchi said. “When considering my succession, it was most important to me that my clients and team would be taken good care of. Knowing Franco’s leaders for decades, I’m inspired by their energy and vision and confident our teams will continue to deliver excellence to clients in the industry we serve.”
“With BPR’s focus on providing PR services to auto suppliers and industry associations, strong reputation in the supplier industry and global network, we see this as a great opportunity to continue strengthening our experience in the automotive and mobility space,” Benvenuti Sullivan said.
About Franco
Founded in 1964, Franco is an integrated communications agency that builds strategic programs for B2B and B2C clients in a variety of industries with a local, national and global reach. The company’s integrated programs include a wide range of PR, marketing, digital and creative services. Franco serves organizations in the automotive, technology, healthcare, consumer, nonprofit and professional services industries. Visit www.franco.com to learn more.
About Bianchi Public Relations
Bianchi Public Relations (BPR) offers unmatched expertise in business-to-business public relations for automotive, commercial vehicle and mobility technology suppliers, including new entrants with enabling technologies for electric vehicles, autonomous/ADAS vehicles and connected vehicles.
Founded in 1992, BPR’s team believes in helping innovators to make mobility and the world better: smarter, safer, cleaner, more efficient, more comfortable and more fun.
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