GLASGOW-based 3x1 Public Relations has gained a significant foothold in the north-east oil and gas and corporate markets by acquiring Aberdeen firm Bread, writes Scott Wright.

The deal, which went though for an undisclosed sum, was announced as 3x1 launched a new digital business, Parlez Digital, and opened an office in London's Borough Market.

Bread Public Relations has more than 10 staff and clients including Statoil, Step Change, Ledingham Chalmers, International SOS, CHC Helicopter and 3M Energy Markets. Managing director Louise Nicol has joined the board of 3x1, which said Bread will retain its name and continue to trade as usual under its umbrella.

Cameron Grant, who co-founded 3x1 with Julie McGarvey, said the firm was targeting lifting to turnover to £3m following the deal, which lifted its headcount across Glasgow, Edinburgh, London and Aberdeen to 30. It is on course to turn over more than £2m this year for the first time since it was founded in 2001.