Carve Communications acquires Freeman Public Relations

Carve Communications, which is located in Miami, announced the acquisition of Freeman PR, a consumer public relations agency headquartered in Northern New Jersey. In the deal, set to close November 1, 2024, Carve Communications will acquire the Freeman brand name, their full roster of clients and the team of seven employees. The acquisition strengthens Carve Communications’ consumer practice, focused on technology, toys, pet products, collectibles, and more.

Global client base

Founded by David Barkoe and originally recognized as the agency of record for the South Florida startup community, Carve Communications today has a global client base. Over the last 10 years, Carve Communications has focused on executing sustainable PR strategies and developing a proprietary method of measuring the value of media coverage. Their results directly impact its clients’ businesses, whether through sell-through at retail, increasing website traffic, or creating a pipeline for future growth. 

Organizational structure

David Barkoe will remain CEO of Carve Communications. Bruce Maguire, President and Owner of Freeman PR, will join Carve Communications as a consultant for six months as the Freeman team and clients transition over. Scott Goldberg will remain Managing Director and EVP of Carve Communications, overseeing all staff and accounts. Amy Friedland and Maria Habermann will join Carve Communications as EVP and VP, respectively, to lead the now former Freeman accounts, as well as other future clients at the agency.

Freeman PR

Freeman PR was the successor to Gerald Freeman, Inc., an agency founded in 1955. Maguire, who joined Freeman in 1980, oversaw the firm’s rise to becoming one of the most prominent PR agencies in the toy industry, representing brands like Mattel, Fisher-Price, Playmobil and others. The agency received national PR acclaim for its award-winning work launching one of the most successful toys of all time, Tickle Me Elmo.

Diversified the client roster

Since 2020, Carve Communications has diversified its client roster and service offerings which now include media relations, advocate and influencer relations, executive thought leadership, event marketing and execution, affiliate partnerships, content development, media training and more. 

Source: https://carvecomms.com/news/carve-freemanpr-acquisition