Acquisition of Wyoming-based PR firm deepens Carmichael Lynch Spong’s national presence

Carmichael Lynch Spong announced its purchase of Stanwood & Partners, a Wyo ming -based public relations firm and a fellow go-to expert in the outdoor enthusiast arena. The acquisition will expand the firm’s national presence with new offices in Jackson, Wyo ming, and Boston; add 11 talented new staff members to its roster; and furth er entrench its dominance in the growing outdoor enthusiast and environmental and sustainability segments. Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.

Carson Stanwood, president of Stanwood & Partners, will be principal and chair of Carmichael Lynch Spong’s environmental and sustainability practice, and he will oversee the firm’s many outdoor enthusiast brands. Stanwood becomes a key leader in the nation’s top 20 largest public relations firm, providing clients access to brand marketing, media relations, corporate communications, creative services and social media. Stanwood employees also will benefit from Carmichael Lynch Spong’s award-winning professional development program and will have the opportunity to expand into other practice and specialty groups.

"Carson has a lot of fuel left in the tank in terms of his career, having successfully grown his firm over the last 16 years," says Douglas K. Spong, APR, president of Carmichael Lynch Spong. "In many ways, his career track parallels ours in building a solid reputation with some of the best-known brands in the outdoor and leisure industry, and attracting a ‘best of the best’ talent base. We’re excited to have the Stanwood & Partners staff join our team."

Carmichael Lynch Spong has a strong heritage in outdoor enthusiast brands. The firm’s oldest client, Rapala, kicked off the firm’s outdoor and leisure practice 17 years ago. Currently, the outdoor and leisure group includes clients ASV, BRP Evinrude, Buell, FLW Outdoors and Harley-Davidson. Stanwood & Partners currently represents 21 category-leading clients in downhill skiing, snowboarding, biking, camping, outdoor apparel, kayaking and canoeing.