Investor Buys Marketing and Tech Services Firm MERGE

Investment firm Keystone Capital has acquired marketing and tech services agency MERGE, which offers a range of digital strategy, data analytics, brand development, advertising and media services. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

MERGE has around 270 staff across offices in Chicago, Boston and Atlanta, delivering omni-channel solutions across market sectors, but with specific expertise in healthcare. Services include segmentation and targeting; media research, planning and buying; brand metrics and analytics; and UX design.

As part of the deal, MERGE CEO Ron Bess (pictured) has been named Executive Chairman, and former Leo Burnett / Dentsu Aegis exec Patrick Venetucci has joined the agency as co-CEO, working alongside Bess. Commenting on the acquisition, Bess said: 'Keystone's unique approach to patiently investing their personal capital alongside management with a focus on long-term value creation is the perfect fit for our employees and our clients. In addition, Keystone's deep understanding of marketing and technology-enabled services will provide us with an experienced strategic partner to help achieve our goals for organic growth and complementary acquisitions'.

Web site: www.mergeworld.com .