Independent agency MikeWorldWide Public Relations has acquired boutique technology specialist firm MRB Public Relations.

Financial terms of the deal weren’t publicly disclosed.

Michael Kempner (L) & Michael Becce
Michael Kempner (L) & Michael Becce

Freehold, NJ-based MRB focuses on information technology and cybersecurity. It was founded in 1992 by CEO Michael Becce as a media research firm.

MRB will continue to operate under its current name and branding in light of the acquisition, which integrates the agency into MikeWorldWide’s global technology practice. Becce, along with the agency’s account staff, will join MikeWorldWide’s tech practice. MRB will also retain its current physical office, providing a Jersey shore option for MikeWorldWide employees.

“I believe this is the right move for the agency as it provides MRB with staff and capabilities we couldn’t obtain on our own,” Becce told O’Dwyer’s. “We’ve done a remarkable job helping tech vendors obtain huge funding rounds or reach their acquisition goals. When that happens, our success works against us as they typically move on to work with the acquired company or require a firm that provides more capabilities than media and analyst research we have become known for.”

New York-based MikeWorldWide, which was founded in 1986 by CEO Michael Kempner, counts a staff of 230 and accounted for more than $45 million in 2021, according to O’Dwyer’s rankings of PR firms.