LONDON—Corporate and financial communications specialist College Group has acquired Merlin Financial Communications, a leading independent financial and business communication boutique based in the City of London.

Merlin has experience in mergers and acquisitions, financial restructurings and debt re-financings as well as in a wide range of industry sectors, including aerospace and defence, financial services (particularly private equity and hedge funds), infrastructure, leisure, and natural resources. The Merlin team and business will be integrated into College Hill’s capital markets practice.

Following the merger, the practice will be led by Merlin chief executive Paul Downes (pictured), supported by five managing partners: Adrian Duffield, Tony Friend, Mark Garraway, David Simonson and Matthew Smallwood.

The acquisition will bring the College Group head count to over 320, working across 16 international offices and serving more than 650 clients globally. It is the first acquisition for the firm since it received backing from Vitruvian Partners last year.