In a groundbreaking move set to reshape the advertising landscape, Burrell Communications Group has acquired Atlanta-based Fitzco, a 42-year-old full-service marketing agency. The deal marks the first major step in Burrell’s exciting vision to build BCG Worldwide, the first Black-owned agency network of its kind.
Founded in 1983 by Dave Fitzgerald, Fitzco is known for its strength in strategy, creative, media planning and analytics, with a client roster that includes Waymo, Southern Company, Optum, Sylvania, and Home Instead. With this acquisition, Burrell gains not just expanded capabilities, but a vital regional footprint in the South and an infusion of award-winning talent.
Fitzgerald, who originally sold the agency to IPG in 1998 and repurchased it in 2020, will now serve as interim CEO. Fitzco’s roughly 100-person team will remain intact as the agency continues to operate independently under the new ownership. The agency was named Ad Age’s Small Agency of the Year in 2022 and boasts a 75% new business win rate.
“The purchase of Fitzco marks a new chapter for Burrell Communications Group,” said Tara DeVeaux, CEO of Burrell and now CEO of the newly formed BCG Worldwide. “It deepens our expertise and supercharges our offerings with some of the best minds in strategy, analytics, media and creative. The synergy between Fitzco and Burrell will help us better serve our clients — and this is just the beginning.”
The acquisition is backed by FVLCRUM Funds, a minority-owned private equity firm based in Bethesda, Maryland, which led the 2023 acquisition of Burrell, alongside noted Los Angeles attorney Channing Johnson.
“This acquisition is a historic step in creating what we believe is the future of multiculturalism in advertising,” said Johnson, now Chairman of BCG Worldwide.
“We’ve been incredibly impressed by Fitzco,” added Marques Martin, partner at FVLCRUM. “This union accelerates the growth of BCG Worldwide and positions us as a formidable player on the global stage.”
The Fitzco leadership team — including Ryan Boblett (Head of Creative), Keri Palmer (CFO), MJ Gort (Head of Analytics), and Claire Russell (Head of Media) — will remain in place, collaborating closely with Burrell leadership to build out the next phase of growth.
“I’m delighted to leave my legacy in the hands of the talented Fitzco and Burrell teams,” said Dave Fitzgerald. “I look forward to seeing this partnership spark explosive new growth.”
As the advertising industry continues to evolve, BCG Worldwide signals a powerful redefinition of what multiculturalism means in the modern agency model — where equity, excellence, and collaboration lead the way.
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