NASHVILLE—Nashville-based communications firms DVL Public Relations & Advertising and Seigenthaler Public Relations are merging as part an acquisition by Finn Partners.

The new combined agency will be known as DVL Seigenthaler, a Finn Partners Company, and will be one of the largest public relations firms in the southeastern US with annual fees of $11 million with a staff of 80.  This acquisition will bring Finn Partners’ annualized fees to approximately $65 million, its total number of employees to 450, and its number of offices to 12.

"It became clear to us that the Nashville region, with its diverse and dynamic economy, is on a very strong growth track," says Peter Finn, founding managing partner of Finn Partners. "Last year Time magazine ran a story claiming “Nashville and its economy are on fire, sparked by a booming cultural scene, world-class health care, rising universities—and a really good spot on the map” with “the strongest employment growth of any large metropolis since the Great Recession.”

Seigenthaler PR chief executive Beth Seigenthaler Courtney will serve as president and Ronald Roberts, CEO of DVL, as CEO of the new operation, reporting to Richard Funess, senior managing partner of Finn Partners.

DVL, with capabilities including advertising, is well known in the digital and creative space, with a team of more than 15. DVL and Seigenthaler clients include Airbus DS Communications, AMSURG, Bridgestone Americas, Inc., Brown Forman, Electronic Recyclers International, Goodwill Industries of Middle Tennessee, JM Smucker Co., LifePoint Hospitals, Inc., the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority, Nashville Electric Service, Natural Resources Defense Council, Regions Financial Corp., and Singer Sewing Company.