NEW YORK—Healthcare public relations specialist Cooney/Waters Group, part of UK holding company Creston, has acquired The Corkery Group, a full-service public relations firm specializing in health and medical communications and best known for its expertise in issue-oriented communications with health organizations. Corkery will operate as a division of Cooney/Waters Group.

Lenore Cooney, founder and CEO of Cooney/Waters Group, cited the firm’s “great strength in analysis and health policy” as a strong complement to Cooney/Waters’ product marketing expertise.

David Corkery, founder of The Corkery Group, will continue as senior advisor, while his leadership team will continue to lead and manage client business. Karen O’Malley has been appointed president of The Corkery Group, and she and executive vice president Greg Lugliani will join the Cooney/Waters Group operating board.

Cooney/Waters Group includes the Cooney/Waters, Alembic Health Communications and The Corkery Group brands, all operating within the health division of Creston, which also includes Red Door Communications in the UK.