Austin, TXLEVICK on Wednesday announced the acquisition of the MACH 1 Group for an undisclosed price. The acquisition adds Austin, Texas to LEVICK’s expanding presence in Washington, D.C., where the agency is based, New York, Chicago and Miami.

"Our growth strategy is being driven by how we innovate for what the marketplace wants now and into the near future," said LEVICK President Mark Irion, in a statement. “That's what's behind our vision of an integrated agency with Advocacy and Public Affairs, Crisis and Litigation, and Design and Interactive Marketing in the geographies that drive the economy. Texas is one of the hottest leaders in Technology, Healthcare, and Energy, so we need to be there."

LEVICK's Texas office in Austin will be led by Senior VP Katherine McLane, who is the founder of MACH 1 Group, which focuses on pubic affairs and crisis communications.

Previously, McLane served in the George W. Bush Administration, where she led media relations for the Department of Education. She also served in key communications and press roles for former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.

LEVICK focuses on crisis communications, public affairs and advocacy, among other practices.