Bell Pottinger's Middle Eastern division looks to separate from British parent

Bell Pottinger's Middle Eastern division is in discussions with its London parent in an effort to sever ties between the two as rumours circulate of the public relations firms' demise.

Archie Berens, head of the Bell Pottinger's Middle Eastern outfit, said on Sunday "We're in discussions and have submitted a proposal to head office," after previous reports suggested the group could go into receivership as early as 11 September.

"As a separate legal entity Bell Pottinger Middle East (BPME) is not part of these proceedings and is therefore in a position to determine its own destiny," said the division which employs 24 people between Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

BPME also stated it had no involvement with the controversial Oakbay Capital campaign in South Africa, going as far as to say that its directors had "actually rejected the opportunity to work on the account."

This news comes after the disgraced PR firms Asian unit had announced it would split from its British parent and begin trading under a new name "in the coming days."