NASHVILLE—Weber Shandwick has expanded its healthcare capability by acquiring the Nashville-based boutique ReviveHealth.

CEO Brandon Edwards (pictured) started ReviveHealth in 2009 after parting ways with Davies Public Affairs. Over the last seven years, Edwards has grown Revive into a nearly $10m firm that works with the likes of Athenahealth, Arcadia Healthcare Solutions and Dignity Health. Revive has offices in Nashville, Santa Barbara and Minneapolis.   

The deal combines Weber Shadwick’s capabilities in pharma, provider communications, science communications, and health public affairs with ReviveHealth’s specialization in the business of healthcare, including health systems, health services, health technology, device and diagnostic companies, physician groups, and wellness and population health companies.

“Healthcare has been one of our fastest growing sectors,” said Weber Shandwick global CEO Andy Polansky. “ReviveHealth has very complementary expertise to the portfolio built under [Weber Shandwick's global healthcare lead] Laura Schoen. It’s also an impressive fit from a culture standpoint.”

Edwards will report to Schoen and Revive will continue to operate separately as a Weber Shandwick portfolio company. But the two entities have — and will continue to — pitch for business together. For instance, last year Weber Shandwick and Revive won the Arcadia Healthcare business jointly.

The acquisition marks Weber Shandwick’s first foray into Nashville and Santa Barbara — a California town about 90 miles north of Los Angeles. In Minneapolis, Revive’s team will integrate with Weber Shandwick’s existing office. Edwards says he there will be no lay-offs or role changes.

"We were very transparent very early," Edwards said, adding the Revive team has known about the deal since mid-2015. "Luckily, in every step our team has gotten more and more comfortable."

Roger Fischer of RF Consulting was the transaction advisor to ReviveHealth. Polansky declined to discuss the terms of the deal.