Manifest has acquired Chicago-based independent agency Morning Walk, expanding its Midwest presence and adding approximately 50 professionals across public relations, social media, influencer and creator marketing, and reputation and crisis communications.
The deal also gives Manifest a presence in Milwaukee and brings Morning Walk’s client roster into the agency, including Kalahari Resorts & Conventions, OPTIMA Batteries and BOSS Snowplow. Financial terms were not disclosed in the announcement.
For Chicago’s agency community, the acquisition brings together two independent businesses with established client relationships while expanding the services they can offer under one roof.
“This acquisition has been years in the making and the time was right,” said Ross Shelleman, CEO of Manifest. “The businesses are so complementary and share a legacy of deep long-term client relationships.”
Shelleman said Morning Walk’s integrated communications practice fills an important role as brands coordinate their paid, earned and owned media efforts.
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As part of the integration, Morning Walk CEO Pat Goggin will become executive vice president at Manifest, reporting to Shelleman.
Steve Simoncic, Morning Walk’s co-owner and chief creative officer, will also join as executive vice president. He will report to Steve Slivka, who has been promoted to president of Manifest.
The combination gives Morning Walk’s clients access to Manifest’s data, media and technology capabilities, while bringing additional communications expertise and senior leadership into Manifest.
“Joining Manifest gives our clients access to deeper capabilities in data, media and technology while preserving the senior-level collaboration and integrated approach that have always defined Morning Walk,” Goggin said.
“It’s the best of both worlds, expanding what we deliver for clients while creating new opportunities for our people to tackle bigger challenges, drive greater impact and continue doing the kind of collaborative work we’re best known for.”
