Chicago-based communications firm Reputation Partners LLC, which has an office in Milwaukee, announced Thursday that it has acquired Milwaukee-based public relations firm Vollrath Associates.
Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
“Vollrath Associates is a firm we have long admired, and as we’ve come to know them better, we’ve been thoroughly impressed by their work and longstanding client relationships,” said Megan Hakes, co-founder of Reputation Partners. “Our combined local market knowledge, industry expertise and commitment to driving results make a powerful combination that will benefit clients of both firms.”
Reputation Partners says it has done work for more than 350 public, private and not-for-profit clients across the country and around the world. The firm opened its Milwaukee office in 2004. Its Wisconsin operations represent more than 25 percent of the firm’s total 2015 revenues.
Vollrath Associates was founded by Phil and Marilyn Vollrath in 1979.
“We are thrilled to be joining Reputation Partners, a firm that has earned a terrific reputation in this market,” said Marilyn Vollrath. “Our clients will continue to receive the same senior-level counsel and personalized attention they have come to expect, with added resources and expertise that are even more compelling. This is the right decision for Vollrath Associates, at the right time and with the right partner – one who shares our values and is committed to Wisconsin for the long term.”
Marilyn Vollrath, president and CEO of Vollrath Associates, will join Reputation Partners as an executive vice president, Jessica Vollrath Huebner will join Reputation Partners as vice president and Samantha Orne will join Reputation Partners as an associate, on May 2. They will join Lynn Sheka, account director at Reputation Partners, Frances Fyten, associate at Reputation Partners and Hakes in Reputation Partners’ Milwaukee office, located at 322 E. Michigan St.
Phil Vollrath, co-founder of Vollrath Associates, is pursuing his goal of transitioning out of the firm to focus on his work as an adjunct professor at Marquette University, consulting and volunteer activities.
