Yes& Acquisition Strengthens 'Audience-First' Focus

Alexandria, VA-based marketing agency Yes& has acquired competitor Beyond Definition, based in Silver Spring, MD, thus 'enhancing the depth and breadth of its capabilities in research, brand strategy, design and digital'. Terms were not disclosed.

Yes& says the buy also adds 'unique experience in naming and publication design', including that of Beyond Definition's founder and CEO Debbie Bates-Schrott and President Mark DeVito, specialists in creating 'audience-first brands'; and will help to grow its client base in the association and commercial sectors. All other Beyond Definition employees will also join Yes&, whose recent acquisitions also include Philadelphia design firm P'unk Avenue and digital consultancy Boldr Strategies.

Yes&'s offer includes branding, advertising, digital marketing and analytics, customer experience, market research, content development and public relations. The company was founded 36 years ago, and currently employs more than 140 people. President & CEO Robert W. Sprague (pictured) says the latest deal is 'not about how big we are; it's about the expanded possibilities that the Beyond Definition team will bring to our clients - and also to all of our staff'.

Bates-Schrott comments: 'What resonated with me is the Yes& brand and what it stands for - positivity + possibility. Similar to Beyond Definition, this brand represents doing more for clients, delivering more than what was asked for. Yes& encourages open minds and an inclusive, motivated, and engaging environment to drive success'.

Web site: www.yesandagency.com .