Bender/Helper teams for int'l PR network

PR consultants Bender/Helper Impact and German-based Indigo Pearls have launched the Surround Group, an international network for PR, social media and digital marketing, the companies announced Thursday. The venture will focus on entertainment, media and consumer tech. Services in local constituencies will include crisis management, video content creation and Web development. Other participants will include Marketingworks, Argentina's Dixit Communicaciones, Australia's Red 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 soon be announced. Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com