By Greg Hazley
Ketchum is acquiring Raleigh-based Capstrat, boosting its southern region presence centered on Atlanta.
Eighteen-year-old Capstrat, with a base in public affairs and PR, employs about 110 staffers had revenues topping $14M in 2011. Clients include Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina, Cotton Inc. and Duke Energy.
Omnicom-owned Ketchum said Capstrat will operate under its current name led by CEO and founder Ken Eudy as part of Ketchum North America. Capstrat president Karen Albritton, chief creative officer Todd Coats, and CFO Debbie Reed remain in place.
Ketchum CEO Rob Flaherty said the move is a key milestone in the firm's strategic growth plan. Capstrat's public affairs team becomes part of Ketchum's international PA network with the acquisition.
Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Eudy called it an "exciting time" for his firm with great potential for clients and benefits to stakeholders from Ketchum's broad reach.
The deal makes French/West/Vaughan the top independent PR firm in Raleigh. |