Marketing communications firm Wildfire has purchased Keystone Marketing, Inc.
The deal expands Wildfire’s event marketing services and adds a number of high profile clients to its roster, including AAA, Kraft Foods Global and The Hershey Co. Both companies are located in Winston-Salem, NC.
The Keystone office and 13 of its employees have integrated into Wildfire, which has 40 employees. The principle of Keystone, Roger Bear, is retiring after 20 years at the helm. Candy Borreson, Beth Meadlock and Mike Peeler who made up the Keystone marketing leadership team remain on as leaders in the integrated firm.
Keystone specializes in field marketing, promotions event activation, strategic planning, licensing and trade relations. It has a deep history in motorsports and golf having worked in the past with the U.S. Army, Jim Beam Brands, AAA Motor Clubs, Pfizer and Stacker among other clients, the companies said.
Keystone will operate as an autonomous division of Wildfire.
“This acquisition represents smart growth of our company and we look forward to utilizing their base of expertise to tackle more challenges and produce successful work ahead for our clients,” Brad Bennett CEO of Wildfire, said in a release.
Wildfire’s clients include, Hanesbrands Inc., Lowes Home Improvement, Microban, BB&T, Dewey’s Bakery and Salem Baking Co. and Universal Furniture, as well as recently added clients Wake Forest University Athletics and Noble’s Grille.