Deerfield Agency, one of the fastest growing independent marketing and commercialization partners for life sciences companies, today announced the acquisition of Verge Scientific Communications, a Virginia-based, brand strategy and strategic communications agency dedicated to shaping the stories of emerging and pioneering health and science-driven companies. With the addition of Verge Scientific, Deerfield Agency is expanding its services and ability to support corporate and brand marketing for pre-commercial healthcare clients, along with deepening experience in branding, strategic communication, scientific and medical communications, and storytelling.
"We are thrilled to welcome Verge Scientific as part of Deerfield Agency. The team at Verge have strong scientific and strategic expertise that will allow us to support clients earlier in their brand's lifecycle," said Frank Burrell, Managing Partner, Deerfield Agency. "The expansion of services including corporate brand strategy, corporate communications, scientific counsel and strategic communications are a great complement to our current offerings and will allow us to further serve our clients for both their corporate and product commercialization needs."
Founded in 2016, Verge Scientific has quickly become one of the leading boutique health and science communications agencies in the country serving as a trusted partner to biotech start-ups, early-stage biotech and pharmaceutical companies, health technology firms, consumer science brands and space exploration organizations. With nearly 40 people, Verge Scientific brings a full creative team, PhD scientists and seasoned communications strategists.
Recognized as a top 10 PRovoke Global Agency Fast Mover, Verge Scientific was named PRWeek's 2021 Outstanding Boutique Agency, and a finalist this year for both top Small Agency and Boutique Agency by PRWeek and PRovoke, respectively.
"It's been an incredible time for both Verge Scientific and Deerfield and we are excited to join forces. Combining with Deerfield will deepen our creative, digital and media services while allowing us to support innovator companies seamlessly as their products advance to commercialization and beyond," said Lissette Steele, Founder and Managing Partner, Verge Scientific Communications. "What's more is that both companies share in our commitment to our people and are aligned on the opportunity to focus on the growth and development of our teams and provide a path toward rewarding and fulfilling careers."
Lissette Steele and Amanda Sellers, partners and owners of Verge Scientific, will continue to lead day-to-day operations, and Verge Scientific will operate as an independent, sister company to Deerfield Agency. Both Ms. Steele and Ms. Sellers will also join the senior leadership team and become shareholders in the combined organization of Deerfield Pharma Services Holdings, LLC. Deerfield is a portfolio company of The Edgewater Funds, a Chicago-based private equity firm with over $2.8 billion of capital commitments raised since 2001.