Staniforth, one of Manchester's most high-profile public relations agencies, has been closed by its parent company TBWA.
The long-standing PR firm was shut down with immediate effect on Wednesday.
Tom Wong, marketing director at TBWA\UK, said in a brief statement issued to The Drum: "As part of TBWA's strategy to focus on core creative agencies Staniforth PR has closed for business this week, this is following a period of consultation with staff."
It is not clear how many jobs have been lost though it is understood around 12 staff worked at the agency's Manchester office.
Staniforth, which was led by Rob Brown and also had a London office, has been part of the TBWA network since being sold by its founder Phil Staniforth in 2002.
CIPR North West chair Erin Portsmouth commented: "It's always extremely sad to see PR agencies close, and in particular when it's an agency as long-established and revered as Staniforth. As a key player in the north west that has contributed much to the industry, they will be sorely missed."