PPHC

Public Policy Holding Company has acquired Alexandria-based Multistate Associates, a local and state government relations shop with 77 staffers, for $22M.

The deal expands PPHC’s reach into each of the 50 states and bolsters its research and compliance capabilities.

Multistate, which serves more than 300 corporate clients, is marking its 40th anniversary.

CEO James Crosby said the acquisition shows that “federal and state policy issues are evermore interdependent and require the professionalism and seamless integration that only PPHC and Multistate now offer.”

Washington-based PPHC, which trades on the London Stock Exchange, houses brands such as Seven Letter, Crossroads Strategies, Forbes Tate Partners, Alpine Group Partners, O’Neill & Associates and KP Public Affairs.

CEO Stewart Hall remains in the hunt for more deals to broaden the firm’s geographical footprint, both in the US and overseas, and its client offering in the strategic communications sector.

Searle & Associates advised Multistate on the PPHC deal.