Adfactors PR has acquired a majority stake in Australian communications consultancy SenateSHJ, expanding its international footprint and strengthening its capabilities across the Asia Pacific region.
The partnership brings together two independent communications firms with complementary expertise in reputation management, stakeholder engagement, strategic communications and complex business transformation. SenateSHJ will continue operating independently under its existing brand, with co-founder and chair Angela Scaffidi AM and CEO Darren Behar retaining leadership responsibilities. The consultancy will also continue to operate from its Sydney and Melbourne offices.
As part of the transaction, Adfactors PR CEO Nijay N. Nair, who also oversees the firm’s global initiatives and M&A activities, will join the SenateSHJ board.
The deal comes amid growing business and economic ties between India and Australia, with organisations increasingly operating across markets and seeking communications expertise across geographies. The partnership is expected to give clients in both countries greater access to networks and capabilities across the wider Asia Pacific region.
Madan Bahal, co-founder and managing director, Adfactors PR, described SenateSHJ as a strong strategic and cultural fit, highlighting its leadership, reputation and expertise in handling complex communication challenges.
Rajesh Chaturvedi, co-founder and chairman, Adfactors PR, said the partnership would extend the agency’s relationship capital beyond India and into a significant international market.
For SenateSHJ, the investment offers access to greater scale and international capabilities while preserving its existing leadership, identity and operations.
Angela Scaffidi said increasingly cross-border client challenges made international scale valuable, while emphasising that SenateSHJ would retain the qualities that have shaped the consultancy over its 24-year journey.
The partnership is expected to create opportunities for deeper collaboration across India, Australia and the broader Asia Pacific communications landscape.
