TORONTO—Hill+Knowlton Strategies Canada has acquired Acertys, a leading Montreal-based public engagement company. The deal builds on H+K’s acquisition of Ascentum in 2012 and the subsequent growth of its engagement strategies practice. Acertys has employees with backgrounds in urban planning, anthropology, engineering and environmental studies and has experience in infrastructure projects across the province of Quebec.

LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ—Taft and Partners has opened a new office in Newark, NJ. Taft's central and southern New Jersey clients have long been serviced via offices first in downtown Princeton and more recently the firm’s Lawrenceville facility. Senior counselor Oliver Quinn, who has led compliance and ethics as well as leadership communications projects for the firm since 2009, will serve as managing director of the Newark office.   

NEW YORK—M2M PR & Partnerships has launched a new production division, M2M Production, which will give partners access a wide range of marketing and creative services under one roof. Boasting a full production unit complimented by aerial photography and video packages, the new division will offer multi camera mobile facilities, full ENG production services, production and technical management, aerial drone capacities, editing and crewing. The name of the agency will change to M2M PR Partnerships & Production.

SUWANEE, GA—Strategic Vision PR Group has launched its Velocity PR Program designed for emerging companies and start-ups. The program provides traditional public relations, social media, and branding services at an accelerated pace, designed to meet the needs of emerging companies. The agency will also offer reduced costs for a slight equity stake in the companies.