Fahlgren, Edward Howard to Join Public Relations Businesses
Alignment Forms Independent Powerhouse: Largest Firm in Ohio and Top 30 Nationally
COLUMBUS, Ohio and CLEVELAND, Ohio (January 13, 2010) - The Board of Directors of Fahlgren, Inc., one of the nation's top independent communications companies, and majority shareholders of Edward Howard & Co., the nation's longest-established independent public relations firm, announced today thatFahlgren will acquire Edward Howard & Co. The acquisition, which joins the capabilities of FahlgrenMortine Public Relations and Edward Howard, is expected to close during the first quarter of 2010although integration and coordinated new business and marketing efforts will begin immediately. Bothbrand names, which individually represent excellence in public relations, will remain. Financial terms ofthe deal will not be disclosed.
The combination of Fahlgren Mortine Public Relations and Edward Howard creates a premier publicrelations business serving clients based in more than 25 states. The joined public relations businessincludes more than 60 staff members located in Cleveland, Cincinnati, Columbus, Dayton and Toledo inOhio, and Atlanta; Denver; Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; and, Parkersburg, W. Va. It is projected to generateapproximately $10 million in revenue in 2010.
The agency will be headquartered in Columbus and led by Neil Mortine, president of Fahlgren MortinePublic Relations, and CEO of Fahlgren, Inc. Kathy Cupper Obert, formerly chairman and chief executiveof Edward Howard, will become president of Edward Howard and assume the role of managing director ofFahlgren, Inc. Wayne Hill, formerly president of Edward Howard, will serve as executive vice president ofEdward Howard. Both Obert and Hill will serve on the Fahlgren, Inc. management team.
"Edward Howard is a firm that we have long admired for its expertise, capabilities and reputation as aforemost public relations business," Mortine said. "The relationship between the two firms has alwaysbeen filled with respect and admiration; today, the competitive spirit is joined to aggressively pursueregional and national growth. The joined public relations businesses will thrive on winning as apowerhouse independent public relations and marketing communications firm that leverages theexpertise and resources of both companies and Fahlgren Advertising. This is the right time for thisacquisition because as the economy continues to rebound, we're seeing increased demand for publicrelations partners that can deliver cost-effective, responsive and measurable communications services."
Kathy Cupper Obert of Edward Howard, added, "This is good for clients, employees and the future. Wehave been talking on and off for several years with Fahlgren executives about the opportunities andbenefits that could result from bringing our two firms together. Now is the right time. Equipped with the fullspectrum of capabilities in both digital and traditional communication, we are an attractive partner forbusinesses requiring highly responsive attention from experienced counselors at reasonable costs. We'relarge enough to get the job done but small enough to care. That's why what we're building together iscompelling as an independent, national public relations agency based in the Midwest."
Areas of service between the companies are complementary while new capabilities augment thebusinesses' ability to serve clients with a wider and deeper range of communication services in acoordinated, comprehensive way. The merged business is equipped with deep knowledge withinnumerous industry groups such as business-to-business, consumer packaged goods, economic and civic development, financial services, healthcare, retail, travel and leisure, and technology. Capabilities includethe full spectrum of marketing communications services with comprehensive practice area expertise incrisis, financial, internal, litigation and marketing communications, analyst, investor and media relations,social media, public affairs, and environmental responsibility, among many others.
The combined revenue of the two public relations businesses is expected to place the firm in the top 30among PR Week magazine's annual agency rankings. Fahlgren Mortine, which has grown an average of22 percent annually for the past six years, was ranked number 70 on the 2009 PR Week list. Using thesame list, the business will be the largest independent public relations firm in Ohio and among the top fivein the Midwest.
About Edward Howard
Edward Howard leverages the power of communication for its clients, helping them achieve their goals bytelling their stories, protecting their reputations, selling their products and growing their value. The firm'sspecialty is solving complex communication challenges. Founded in 1925, Ohio-based Edward Howardserves clients throughout the United States. For more information, visit www.edwardhoward.com.
About Fahlgren Mortine
Columbus, Ohio-based Fahlgren Mortine is one of the nation's top independent communications agencies with locations in four states. Fahlgren Mortine serves clients in 26 states from Connecticut to California. Capabilities include social media, digital services, advertising, public relations, research, branding, creative and design. For more information, please visit www.fahlgren.com.
Editor's note: Hi-res photos of agency executives and logos are available upon request.
Media Inquiries
Jenny Fuerst
Director, Corporate Communications
(614) 383-1523
jenny.fuerst@fahlgren.com