Hawaii advertising
agencies merging
The two companies have combined
By Russ Lynch
annual billings of $14 million
Star-BulletinHawaii's sixth-largest advertising agency, Laird Christianson/YP&B, is acquiring the state's 10th-largest, Smartcomm.
Terms of the deal, which goes into effect Nov. 1, were not disclosed.
Smartcomm, with $4 million in annual billings, was founded by Doug Harris in 1994. Harris will become director of client services and a principal of the combined firm, which will be called Laird Christianson Harris/ YP&B Advertising Inc.
Laird Christianson has annual billings of about $10 million. Its president, Buck Laird, said acquiring Smartcomm with Harris and his team, will bring added skills to the agency.
Harris also brings clients, including KFC Hawaii, Steinlager and Union 76.
Laird Christianson was founded in 1989 as an offshoot of McNeil Wilson Communications Inc., a major Honolulu public relations firm. Last October, Laird Christianson entered a partnership with Yesawich, Pepperdine & Brown Inc., of Orlando, Fla. Laird Christianson's clients include Prince Resorts Hawaii, AIG Hawaii, the Ala Moana Hotel, St. Francis Healthcare System, Hawaiian Waters Adventure Park, City Bank/International Savings and Marriott International in Hawaii.
