Bender/Assistant teams for int'l PR network

PR consultants Bender/Assistant Impact and German-based Indigo Pearls have launched the Surround Group, an worldwide network for PR, social media and online marketing, the companies introduced Thursday. The venture will focus on entertainment, media and consumer tech. Services in local constituencies includes crisis management, video article promotion and Website design. Other participants includes Marketingworks, Argentina's Dixit Communicaciones, Australia's Red-colored-colored Agency, Brazil's Grupocasa, Canada's Webidiotz, Chile's HiLinks, India's Approach Communications and Mexico's Joint Communications and 3NMedia. Partners in Korea, China and Japan will rapidly be introduced. Contact the number newsroom at news@variety.com