The Strategy Group Company, an Ohio-based political PR shop, is acquiring strategic partner Murphy Linville, the firm of the former DCI Group president Jim Murphy and ex-AT&T VP of public affairs Billy Linville.

The firms entered a partnership five months ago before deciding to merge.

Rex Elass, a veteran GOP operative, is CEO of TSGC.

Murphy and Linville in a statement said their experience is a "strong strategic match with the corporate and political aspirations of TSGco."

Florida-based Murphy, a former senior advisor to Bob Dole's 1988 and '96 presidential campaigns, takes a senior counselor role at his new home. Linville, based in Atlanta, becomes EVP of corporate and public affairs. He has counseled Georgia Gov. Roy Barnes and Louisiana Democrats Sens. Mary Landrieu and Zell Miller, among others.

TSGC has offices in Texas and Washington, in addition to its Delaware, Ohio, base.