CHICAGO — Fast-growing agency group Salient Global has acquired marketing communications agency Candor to boost its PR, public affairs, social media and production capabilities.

Under the terms of the Definitive Purchase Agreement, Candor’s 22 employees will continue to work under the firm's brand name and the agency will continue to be led by CEO Karen Wicker, who founded the agency in 2012 and also becomes senior managing partner of Salient.

Candor SVP Ally Glavas Olson, who has been with the agency for more than eight years, will be promoted to president of Candor and also becomes a Salient managing partner. Candor’s clients include Walmart, the Choctaw Nation, Devon Energy, Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum and OU Health.

Salient was founded by CEO Bryan Specht, former ICF Next and Real Chemistry leader, in 2021. He said: “Candor’s world-class capabilities, unmatched values and growth mindset made it clear they were the perfect partner to join our Salient network of best-in-class marketing companies.

“This is an important moment in Salient’s growth journey and for our clients, which Candor will no doubt contribute to with their fresh perspective and forward-thinking capabilities across public relations, production and public affairs.”

Wicker added: “We are proud to join the Salient network and together build the agency of the future. Salient’s commitment to growth for our company, our city and our people is unmatched. We can’t wait to see what we’ll achieve together.”

Salient’s network includes recently acquired data technology company ICX Media, experience and innovation firm Timecraft, and earned creative agency Honeymoon. The group also has alliances with specialty public relations, marketing services and technology firms.