WASHINGTON, D.C. - Gibraltar Associates (GA), one of the fastest-growing communications agencies in the U.S., today announced that it has acquired TheWadeGroup, Inc. (TWG), a Washington, D.C.-based communications firm. The acquisition of TWG builds on GA's strategic vision by immediately increasing the firm’s top line while also bolstering its public affairs capabilities with senior talent that will serve as a key driver of future growth.

The acquisition of TWG will expand GA’s bandwidth of senior leadership, strengthen its issues management and crisis communications offerings and create opportunities to grow existing business and win new business. TWG founder Terry Wade will manage TWG’s consortium, which will continue to operate as a GA company. This ensures GA and its clients continued access to a deep bench of seasoned experts.

“This acquisition marks our most significant milestone to date and is yet another demonstration of our commitment to aggressive growth,” said Thomas J. Pernice, GA’s chairman and co-founder. “The synergy between GA and TheWadeGroup will not only guarantee immediate expansion but also enhance our ability to provide superior service for all of our clients.”

“TheWadeGroup shares our vision to become one of the top agencies in the country, and this acquisition is a major demonstration of our commitment to adding the right pieces at the right times to support that vision” said Eric Bovim, GA’s CEO and co-founder. “Terry and his team have the experience and energy to help our agency thrive. We are excited to have them join GA.”

Wade, who will become a GA partner, is widely considered a crisis communications and public affairs expert and brings with him nearly four decades of Washington experience in media, politics and public relations, including serving in senior executive roles at Cohn & Wolfe and Burson-Marsteller.

“It’s clear that GA is looking to make an investment in our company’s future, and I am thrilled to be a part of that bright future,” said Wade. “In addition to its commitment to expansion, GA’s culture of superior client service and results-driven success aligns with TheWadeGroup’s own business model and will make for a smooth transition for our clients and our staff.”

TWG’s Dan Doherty, who helped found TWG in 2002, will join GA as senior vice president and partner, bringing with him more than 15 years experience in public affairs and politics across a variety of industries. Doherty has extensive experience in food manufacturing, retailing and nutrition issues, including market recalls and withdrawals, and will head up GA’s Food and Nutrition practice.

“I’ve admired what GA has accomplished in only a few short years, particularly given the economic downturn. There is certainly no limit to what GA can achieve next,” said Doherty. “GA’s leadership has established a gold standard of excellence in every facet of the agency’s operations, and I am excited to join its incredibly talented team.”

The acquisition of TheWadeGroup comes on the heels of GA’s announcement last week that former Qorvis partner Kelley McCormick had joined the firm as chief operating officer and partner.

ABOUT GIBRALTAR ASSOCIATES

GA is one of the country’s emerging public relations agencies, representing some of the world’s best-known companies and brands. We practice 21st-century PR by fusing old and new media strategies into breakthrough campaigns for clients.

Since its founding in 2007, GA has grown quickly to become one of the country’s leading PR agencies. GA has offices in Washington and Los Angeles, as well as partner affiliates in Europe and South America. For more information, please visit us at: www.Gibraltar-llc.com, follow us on Twitter at @GibraltarAssoc or call us at 202-534-1700.