(KANSAS CITY) – Barkley, one of the largest independent agencies in the U.S., has acquired the business assets of Pennsylvania-based interactive agency Ripple Effects Interactive. It has been re-branded as BarkleyREI.

Ripple Effects Interactive has 42 employees and 2007 revenue of $5.5 million. The agency specializes in the travel and tourism, higher education and nonprofit categories, serving clients including Pennsylvania Tourism, U.S. National Park Service, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, the Ad Council, Carnegie Mellon University and Vanderbilt University. BarkleyREI will be based in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, adding an East Coast presence for Kansas City-based Barkley.

Barkley’s Kansas City-based interactive discipline will continue to handle integrated work for the agency’s clients including Sonic Drive-In, March of Dimes, Minute Rice, Lee Jeans and Build-A-Bear Workshop. BarkleyREI will operate autonomously, continuing to focus on growth within its specialist categories.

“As part of our growth strategy, Barkley has committed itself to acquiring like-minded agencies that are independent thinkers and place a high priority on creative thinking,” said Brian Brooker, CEO and chief creative officer, Barkley. “Ripple Effects demonstrates all of those qualities. They will make an invaluable addition to our company.”

“The acquisition by Barkley allows us to join a culture that invests in keeping and attracting the best talent our industry has to offer,” said Paul Magnani, president, Ripple Effects Interactive. “Our shared vision for fueling each other’s growth while maintaining our own expert niche will bring a new level of success to each office.”

“The acquisition of Ripple Effects is an important part of our company’s growth strategy,” said Jeff King, president, Barkley. “But this move also adds tremendous bench strength to Barkley’s existing interactive group. Our online work is already garnering national acclaim. The addition of Ripple Effects further strengthens this discipline for our company.”

“While we won’t be discussing the specific terms of our deal, I am very excited about the unique, nontraditional structure of this acquisition,” said Louis Malafarina, founder, Ripple Effects Interactive. “The agreement is based on an earn-out that keeps everyone focused on the right priorities—success for our clients and long-term growth for the company.”

About Barkley:
Barkley is the largest employee-owned agency of its kind. Founded in 1964, the company has 340 partners offering a full range of marketing communications services including advertising, public relations, cause branding, sponsorships and events, relationship marketing, social media, design, media planning and buying, motion graphics, research and interactive marketing. Barkley has offices in Kansas City, Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, with additional field offices across the nation. More info:  www.barkleyus.com and   www.barkleyREI.com.