Public Affairs Firms Kivvit And Subject Matter Join Forces
(MENAFN- PRovoke)
WASHINGTON, DC-Public affairs firms Subject Matter and Kivvit are merging to create a new national agency with a team of 200 and fee income of close to $100 million
that will offer strategic communications, data analytics and insights, government relations, digital strategy, creative content, and advertising services.
The new business will be known for now as Subject Matter+Kivvit, but the two firms will continue to operate under their current brands in the short term, with expanded leadership roles and rebranding anticipated later this year.
Kivvit is known for data-driven insights that fuel large-scale digital advertising campaigns and communications strategy for clients in finance, higher education, energy, and health care. Subject Matter boasts one of Washington's leading bipartisan government relations teams and an expansive creative advocacy capability that supports clients across public health, finance, education, technology, communications, and transportation.
Nicole Cornish, previously CEO of Subject Matter, will continue to serve in this capacity for the new company. Molly Scherrman will be the new agency's chief operating officer, continuing the role she played at Kivvit. Managing partners from bit firms, including Steve Elmendorf, Paul Frick, Jimmy Ryan, Dan Sallick, and Eric Sedler will also continue as part of the new leadership team.
The new firm will operate under Coral Tree Partners, a Los Angeles-based private equity firm that acquired an ownership position in Subject Matter in 2022. It will have offices in Washington, New York, Chicago, New Jersey, and an emerging presence in Miami, and its combined revenue will make it one of the largest independent agencies in the United States and second only to APCO as the largest public affairs specialist.
“The talent pool in these two firms is truly amazing,” said Nicole Cornish, CEO of Subject Matter.“Combining this breadth and level of experience will allow us to offer clients the scale and expertise of a large firm, but with the personal touch of a boutique agency.” Kivvit CEO Eric Sedler (pictured above, with Cornish) added,“By partnering with Subject Matter we can tap into an expanded level of policy and creative expertise.”
Kivvit was advised by M&A firm BrightTower while Seyfarth Shaw provided legal counsel. Subject Matter and Coral Tree were represented by Goodwin Procter.
MENAFN01052023000219011063ID1106147344
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.