Merged company gains critical skills and scale to disrupt industry and “Engineer Brand Love”
COLUMBUS, Ohio (April 18, 2024) – Just months after securing a significant investment to fuel its expansion and after being named one of Adweek’s Fastest Growing Agencies nationally, The Shipyard announced it will acquire Fahlgren Mortine – one of the top 20 firms in the nation (O’Dwyer’s), and the reigning Mid-Sized Agency of the Year as designated by the Public Relations Society of America.
While Fahlgren Mortine is historically known for its dominance in public relations and communications services, the company recently integrated two companies that emboldened its focus on technology, development design and customer experience.
“Brand success comes from orchestrating creative across all paid, owned, earned and emerging media,” said The Shipyard founder and CEO Rick Milenthal. “Fahlgren Mortine is recognized as a leader in the industry. We are aligned with shared values, combined resources and a galvanizing mission of ‘Engineering Brand Love’ wherever audiences consume media.”
The Shipyard will maintain the Fahlgren Mortine brand, which will now have access to expanded media buying volume, creative firepower and data and analytics resources.
The combined company will have nearly 400 professionals and offices throughout the country with both B2C and B2B industry expertise in tourism and economic development, financial services, consumer products, energy, retail, building products, logistics, technology and healthcare. The companies already share clients in addition to both being headquartered in Columbus.
Fahlgren Mortine leadership remains in place with CEO Neil Mortine, and Marty McDonald, who was named president in 2022. Neil Mortine will also be named vice chairman for The Shipyard and Christine Turner will continue as president of TURNER, a subsidiary brand of Fahlgren Mortine since 2014. TURNER focuses on integrated communications for travel, tourism and active lifestyle brands with offices in New York City, Denver and Chicago.
According to Mortine, “From the complementary nature of our services to the timing of this partnership, we are certain this is the right next move for Fahlgren Mortine. With a shared love for our community, bold national vision, and a commitment to keeping our people at the center of our work, we know the future is bright.”
Fahlgren Mortine is currently owned by Eastport Holdings, a leading communications network, which acquired the firm in 2018. The transaction is expected to close at the end of April.
ABOUT THE SHIPYARD
The Shipyard is recognized as one of America’s Fastest Growing Agencies fueled by the mission, “Engineering Brand Love.” The agency serves iconic brands in travel and tourism, financial services, consumer packaged goods, business-to-business, government, energy and others. The Shipyard’s superior integration of creativity, media and data enables courageous marketing decisions. The company is headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, with offices in Newport Beach, Sacramento and San Diego, California. For more information, visit TheShipyard.com.
ABOUT FAHLGREN MORTINE
Fahlgren Mortine is an integrated communications company helping brands engage in ways that are precise and meaningful. Named 2023 Best Mid-sized Agency nationally by the Public Relations Society of America, Fahlgren Mortine provides an integrated communications offering to clients around the world with industry specializations in business-to-business, consumer, higher education, healthcare and tourism/economic development. TURNER, a subsidiary of Fahlgren Mortine, delivers public relations, social media, influencer and travel trade marketing for some of the world’s best resorts, destinations, active lifestyle and outdoor brands. The agency is headquartered in Columbus, Ohio with offices in Cleveland and Dayton, Ohio; Boise, Idaho; Denver, Colo.; Chicago and New York City. For more information, visit www.fahlgrenmortine.com.
