Social Media Group to Acquire Livingston Communications

Deal Creates Largest Independent Social Media Marketing Firm in North America

It's clear that companies are desperate for qualified social media marketing and communications services creating an immediate opportunity to serve large enterprises

Dundas, Ontario and Washington, DC (PRWEB) July 21, 2008 -- Social Media Group and Livingston Communications today announced they have signed a letter of intent to create the world's largest independent social media marketing and communications firm. The acquisition of Livingston Communications will be completed in August, 2008.

Acquiring Livingston Communications will grow Social Media Group's staff to 20, and round out an already significant client portfolio with more technology and nonprofit social media clientele. Including Livingston Communications, Social Media Group will now have operations in Toronto, Calgary and Washington, DC creating a significant North American footprint.

"I am absolutely thrilled that Geoff Livingston and his team will be joining SMG. Geoff is one of the industry's most highly respected thought leaders. Adding his social PR practice to our already comprehensive services creates a social media offering capable of serving any Global 2000 company, rivaling every traditional communications agency or consulting firm's 'social media practice'," said Maggie Fox, CEO of Social Media Group. "Together our combined assets position our company as the largest independent and most experienced social media firm globally."

In the combined entity, Geoff Livingston, CEO of Livingston Communications and author of Now Is Gone: A Primer on New Media for Executives and Entrepreneurs (http://nowisgone.com/), will become Executive Vice President, Americas for Social Media Group and continue to head the Washington office. Social Media Group will also acquire the internationally recognized Buzz Bin blog (www.livingstonbuzz.com/blog) and the BlogPotomac conference (http://www.blogpotomac.com/) as part of the deal.

"It's clear that companies are desperate for qualified social media marketing and communications services creating an immediate opportunity to serve large enterprises," said Geoff Livingston. "Joining forces with Social Media Group accelerates our ability to offer the necessary resources to serve these enterprises. I look forward to working with Maggie to create the world's best social media agency."

The letter of intent between the firms was agreed upon last week. The deal is for an undisclosed amount of cash and stock.

About Livingston Communications
Livingston Communications is one of the leading "social public relations" agencies in the greater Washington area, serving a wide variety of companies with diverse communication programs. The company's Buzz Bin blog is regularly ranked as one of the top PR blogs in the world. Our services include marketing strategy, traditional media and analyst relations, and social media programs. For more information, visit www.livingstonbuzz.com.

About Social Media Group
Headquartered near Toronto with offices in Calgary and Washington, DC, Social Media Group (www.socialmediagroup.ca) is the world's largest independent agency helping business navigate the new socially engaged Web. We take the best of both worlds - thorough business process oriented consulting to uncover the true strategic objectives, combined with tactical execution featuring the creative energy and precision-oriented results of a top-flight integrated communications firm. Services include corporate social media strategy, content creation and management, influencer relations, reputation measurement and monitoring, and educational seminars and workshops.

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