Two groups of industry veterans will become one.
Miami-based Carve Communications is acquiring New Jersey-based Freeman Public Relations. The deal will close on November 1, 2024, and Carve will acquire the Freeman PR brand name, its full client roster and its team of seven employees.
Carve, a decade-old agency known for its B2B and B2C public relations practices, will expand its influence in the consumer space with its strengths in toys, collectibles, technology, pets and more.
Being able to acquire an agency as legendary as Freeman’s has been a highlight of my career and the past 10 years at Carve Communications. Freeman’s success with industry-leading entrepreneurial consumer brands is truly impressive. But it’s not just about growing customers and revenue. A real win for Carve is adding their experienced team to our current Carvers [who are] Committed to being a partner to our customers. We will continue to be in the same boat, moving in the same direction and at the same speed to achieve success.
—David Barkoe, CEO and Founder of Carve Communications
Backstory:
Since its founding, Carve has grown from the agency of record for South Florida’s startup community to a business executing sustainable public relations strategies for a global client base. The agency uses the proprietary Carve scoring system to measure the value of media reporting, tracking retail sales, website traffic and other metrics. Current toy industry clients include Learning Resources, Educational Insights, hand2mind, Upper Deck, Droyd, etc.
Freeman PR is the successor to the Gerald Freeman, Inc. agency founded in 1955. , representing brands such as Mattel, Fisher-Price, and Playmobil. In the mid-1990s, the agency is credited with launching one of the most successful toys of all time, Tickle Me Elmo.
perfect timing
I have received numerous acquisition inquiries from agencies over the years, but Carve provided the absolute best fit at the right time for our client partners and the Freeman team. Carve is the ideal agency to lead Freeman and our clients into the future. Their strong leadership, cutting-edge services and talented team will enhance the skills and experience of the Freeman team. I’m proud of what our team has accomplished and excited for them and our customers to join Carve.
—Bruce Maguire, President and Owner, Freeman PR
Following the completion of the acquisition, David Barkoe will continue to serve as Chief Executive Officer of Carve Communications. Bruce Maguire will join Carve Communications as a consultant for six months to assist with the transition of his team. Scott Goldberg will continue as managing director and executive vice president of Carve Communications, overseeing all employees and accounts. Amy Friedland and Maria Habermann will join Carve Communications as executive vice president and vice president, respectively, leading the agency’s current former Freeman clients and other future clients.
We are not another toy agency. We are not a technical organization. We are also not a B2B corporate agent. Rather, this acquisition enhances our leadership position as an agency focused on quality results that matter. The synergies are obvious. Both agencies have achieved success among industry leaders and growth-stage brands by delivering high-level talent, a collaborative approach, and an insatiable spirit of dedication.
—Scott Goldberg, Managing Director, Carve Communications
Over the past four years, Carve has diversified and expanded its client list and services to include media relations, advocate and influencer relations, executive thought leadership, event marketing and execution, affiliate partnerships, content development, media training wait.
“I would like to congratulate Bruce and his team at Freeman on their achievement,” Bacow added. “I can’t think of a better way to celebrate our 10th anniversary than to acquire a great team.
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