Pair of Conshohocken PR Firms Merge

Two of the area's more well known public relations firms are now one, after Diccicco Battista Communications announced Monday that it has acquired DeFazio Communications.

According to a press release, the two Conshohocken-based firms merged to offer more robust services in a changing public relations industry, as part of a strategic growth plan for DBC. While the DBC also provides advertising and digital media services, the acquisition will bolster its PR division and provide new opportunities, the release said.

"As public relations firms diversify with digital and social media services, agencies that incorporate a wide range of public relations offerings within a comprehensive marketing communications platform will retain a competitive edge in the industry," the release said.

Tony DeFazio, principle of DeFazio Communications, will be tapped to lead the combined public relations team. The release said that DeFazio's experience in media relations, crisis communications, reputation management, and new business development will bring new value to the company.

The merger will also bring the total staff to 30 employees and gross billings to over $6 million, the release said. In addition, the move will reunite DeFazio and DBC public relations director Tim Cifelli, who previously worked together as a public relations team.

“Tony and I worked in strategic partnerships for many years and we continued to stay in touch,” Cifelli said in the release. “As part of DBC’s strategic growth plan, which included a new headquarters, new ownership, top notch team members and exciting clientele, the next step was to add the kind of senior PR leadership that I knew Tony could deliver."

DBC primarily works with clients in the pharmaceutical, healthcare, technology, retail, education, financial services, real estate and manufacturing industries. Combined clients of the two firms include Holy Redeemer Hospital, Applebee's, La Salle University, Mission Kids Child Advocacy, and American Realty Capital, among others. DBC's offices are located in the River Park II building at 1200 River Road.