Fahlgren Grabs GRIP

COLUMBUS, Ohio (March 30, 2010) - The Board of Directors of Fahlgren Inc., one of the nation's top independent communications companies, and the owners of GRIP Technology, a leading Web design and technology development firm, announced today that Fahlgren will acquire GRIP. The acquisition is expected to close during the second quarter of 2010 although GRIP immediately begins working with the Fahlgren Digital team. Financial terms of the deal will not be disclosed.

GRIP Technology is a Web design and technology development firm located in Columbus. The firm works to communicate business strategy and achieve client goals by creating intuitive, well-designed Web sites and Web-based applications. Its services include Web application development, Web site design and development, e-commerce, e-mail marketing, intranets, extranets, search engine optimization and marketing, and strategic Web consulting. GRIP is co-owned by Scott Sanders, Dustin Leggans and Bill Kiefaber.

"It's no secret that the online world is growing, and our clients are asking for more and more digital work from us every day. It's an integrated part of virtually every campaign we create," said Neil Mortine, Fahlgren, Inc. president and CEO. "We are thrilled to be able to double our capacity in this area. GRIP is a natural fit as they complement our team, and we already have a great working relationship. We've been sharing clients and projects with them for more than two years. We're impressed with their offering and client service and delighted to welcome them to the Fahlgren family."

The GRIP acquisition adds more than 100 client relationships to the Fahlgren roster. Many are leaders in the cultural, government, non-profit, business and education fields including the Columbus Museum of Art, Greater Columbus Arts Council, Huntington National Bank, American Institute of Architects, U.S. Department of State, and The Ohio State University.

"Our business model is very client-centric," said Scott Sanders, founder and president of GRIP and the new leader of Fahlgren Digital. "When I founded GRIP in 2002, I set out to develop a digital agency that was committed to helping its clients reach their business objectives, not just build great Web sites. Technology is only a tool, one part of the equation. It's our goal to offer more than just great online creative and coding; we provide solutions to meet business objectives. Joining forces with Fahlgren, which shares the same client-centric business model, we can now offer our clients the full support of a leading, independent full-service agency."

It's a fit that makes sense to Susan Merryman, vice president, marketing and communications for the Columbus Chamber of Commerce. Merryman works with both GRIP and Fahlgren on the Chamber's behalf. "The Columbus Chamber has enjoyed a strong partnership with both of these local companies," she said. "The Chamber supports the growth and development of the local business community. As good companies - like GRIP and Fahlgren - come together, it strengthens our community."

"2010 is definitely a year for growth and achievement for Fahlgren," Mortine said. "Already we've won the ADDY Awards Best of Show; been named the 22nd largest independent PR firm in the country by O'Dwyer's; acquired Edward Howard, the longest established PR firm in the nation; and now the momentum continues with the GRIP acquisition."

And GRIP has built some momentum of its own. During the past year, GRIP has been recognized by the Greater Columbus Arts Council as the Small Business Arts Partner of the year and as the Association of Fundraising Professionals' 2008 Outstanding Small Corporation in Central Ohio.

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

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