Burson-Marsteller helps TNT with Royal Mail bid

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As a Labour revolt gathers momentum, Burson-Marsteller is attempting to distance Dutch postal firm TNT from criticism surrounding its bid for a stake in Royal Mail.


The agency is charged with helping keep TNT out of the crossfire, as Labour MPs rebel against Business Secretary Lord Mandelson's plan to sell a 30 per cent stake in the postal operator. More than 140 Labour MPs are opposed to the part-privatisation plan.

A cross-party committee of MPs yesterday recommended that the Government halt the sell-off part of the Royal Mail until it explains what the deal involves.

Burson-Marsteller confirmed the appointment and said it was providing strategic advice for the brands PR and PA audiences.

PRWeek revealed last month that the Communication Workers Union had brought in crisis specialists Media House International as it seeks to block the Government's privatisation plans (PRWeek, 11 March 2008).


Former Sun journalist and ­Media House chairman Jack Irvine is heading the account, and is believed to be beh­ind The Sunday Telegraph story revealing TNT had been forced to pay back tens of millions of pounds in unpaid tax.