In the rarefied world of private equity, there is a well-known PR operator: Kekst & Co Inc. Founded in 1970, the firm has a sterling client list, which includes biggies like KKR. No doubt, it's a complex specialty, which requires a strong understanding of securities regulation and shareholder relations.

Well, Kekst is selling out to Publicis Group, which is a global advertising and marketing firm. The price tag was not disclosed.

Kekst has a storied past. For example, the firm was involved in the leveraged buyout of RJR (back in the late 1980s). Kekst is also advising Anheuser-Busch Companies Inc. (NYSE: BUD) on its fight against InBev.

Many lower income students and first generation families are captivated by the prospect of going to college, as well they should be. Given the greatly increased earning potential of college graduates and the tremendous value that further education imparts upon our society, it only stands to reason that higher education should be a national top priority.

Publicis Groupe (NYSE:PUB) (Euronext Paris:PUB), has joined forces with the Advertising Counsel and the American Counsel on Education to provide a direct Public Service Announcement campaign designed to help lower income and first generation students become aware of exactly what they need as preparation for getting into college classrooms.