The two public relations agencies, Kinman and MRPA, have completed their merger and now claim to be the third largest agency in the market.

The two companies are merging into a new entity known as MRPA Kinman Communications. The directors of the firm claim the new entity will be the third-largest public relations consultancy in the Irish marketplace.

It will employ 15 people and have an annual turnover of approximately €2 million. The consultancy will represent several high-profile businesses and organisations, a statement said.

The four shareholders in the new company are Ray Gordon and Stephen O'Byrnes of MRPA Consultants and Laurie Mannix and Tim Kinsella of Kinman Public Relations.

"The four principals are amongst the most experienced in the industry and have advised on many of the most high-profile and controversial stories of the past decade," the statement added. The company will represent companies operating in financial services, healthcare, IT and professional services. Several representative bodies will also be on the company's books.

The following services will be made available by the new entity: media relations, political lobbying, reputation management, public information campaigns, crisis management and marketing support.

Mr Ray Gordon, the managing director of the new firm, said the deal represented a "natural development" for the two companies.