• by Larissa Faw , March 3, 2015

Chicago is home to several global pharmaceutical companies, a growing biotech industry, and innovative research and medical institutions.

That is why full-service healthcare communications agency HCB Health is acquiring Chicago-based healthcare marketing communications agency Topin & Associates.

This deal gives the Austin-based agency the foundation for broadening and diversifying its services while establishing a presence in the pharmaceutical industry's "second hub." 

The purchase price wasn’t disclosed. 

Under the terms of the acquisition, Topin & Associates will be integrated into HCB Health, with founder Al Topin serving as president of the Chicago office. He will also become a shareholder of HCB and a member of the agency's board of directors.

Kerry Hilton and Nancy Beesley will lead the combined business under their current titles of partner/CEO and partner/CMO respectively.

The Chicago office will retain its current staff and office space and continue serving its clients. "We have no client conflicts to address and there's a strong, seasoned team in place to ensure a smooth transition," says Topin.

HCB and Topin first began a relationship in 2013, when the agencies formed a strategic alliance to pursue new business opportunities. After the collaboration proved successful, the two agencies started discussing further integration. One key attraction besides location was the well-matched network of talent under both brands.

"We see eye-to-eye in all the important ways," said Nancy Beesley, partner and Chief Marketing Officer of HCB. "We share common values, we both have the spirit of innovation and collaboration in our DNA, and we've found that the work ethic of the southwest and midwest are very similar."

Now, HCB has created an integration program to connect its 53 employees in Austin with the agency's 22 new members in Chicago. This plan will facilitate meetings via Skype, instant messaging and other electronic means. The agency also brought staffers from Chicago to its Austin location to meet team members, participate in account reviews and staff meetings.

"Making Topin part of the HCB family positions us to deliver integrated solutions to clients in all areas of the life sciences," said Kerry Hilton, partner and CEO of HCB Health. "Together, we truly serve the full healthcare spectrum, offering the knowledge, experience and capabilities to help clients in all categories of healthcare achieve their goals."

Founded in in 2001, HCB Health healthcare sector includes companies in the medical device, pharmaceutical and biotech industries, as well as a wide range of healthcare organizations, hospitals, specialized practices and payers.