Chicago Internet Marketing Agency Announces Acquisition/Merger of SEO Firm
DOWNERS GROVE, IL – Straight North, LLC, an Internet marketing agency in west-suburban Chicago, today announced its merger and acquisition of Ephricon Web Marketing, a Charlotte, NC-headquartered SEO firm. Jon Payne, President and Founder of Ephricon, has joined Straight North’s leadership team as VP of Marketing Services & General Manager, Charlotte Office.
“This is a significant step in our aggressive growth strategy,” says Straight North CEO, David Duerr. “Our acquisition of Ephricon expands our geographic footprint and adds greater depth to our SEO services for middle market B2B firms. Jon Payne is a highly regarded SEO expert and trailblazer. We’re thrilled to have him and his entire team on board.”
Straight North will maintain Ephricon’s office in Charlotte, and Ephricon clients will benefit from the acquisition in a variety of ways. “As a Straight North company, we are now better positioned to provide not only SEO, but also other important Internet marketing services such as email marketing and paid search,” says Payne. “Also, we look forward to integrating Straight North’s sophisticated operational processes, as they will bring even greater efficiency and value to our clients.”
While this is Straight North’s largest acquisition to date, it is not the first. In 2008, the agency acquired Duffy Design Works, a leading middle market graphic design firm founded in 1996. In 2009, it acquired Whoast Inc., a growing search engine marketing firm, and in 2010, Word Sell, Inc., a social media marketing and content development consultancy.
About Straight North
Straight North (http://www.straightnorth.com) is an Internet marketing agency serving middle market companies. Its team of experts makes every click count by creating websites, branding initiatives and Internet marketing campaigns that generate sales leads and increase revenue. Headquartered in Downers Grove, IL, the agency has branch offices in Chicago, IL, Charlotte, NC, and Baltimore, MD.