Buffalo Groupe completed its third acquisition since Billy Casper Golf spun it off as a separate company in February.
The public relations and marketing company acquired 54 Brands, a marketing and communications company based in Charlotte, North Carolina in September.
54 Brands was founded in 1985 and for most years was known as the Burris Agency. Mark Burris ran the agency for several years until he retired in 2017. His nephew, Jack Burris, took over running the company in 2015.
Jack Burris will continue as president of 54 Brands. He will concurrently hold the title of managing director with Buffalo Groupe. 54 Brands will remain headquartered in Charlotte.
“Buffalo Groupe is more than several companies coming together under one umbrella,” Burris said. “It’s about all of us working together to become true partners in our clients’ businesses. We’re creating something none of us could have accomplished separately, and that’s where big things happen.”
54 Brands has done award-winning work for Club Car, Golf Channel and GolfNow, MacGregor, National Golf Foundation, Pinehurst Resort, and Softspikes, among other non-golf clients.
“This is an exciting time for Buffalo Groupe and our Companies as we welcome 54 Brands, another like-minded, passionate agency,” said Kyle Ragsdale, CEO, Buffalo Groupe. “54 Brands’ focus on the B2B sector of the highly fragmented golf industry is complementary to Buffalo Agency’s business. The acquisition not only expands our capabilities, it also moves us closer to achieving our overall vision of connecting brands and lifestyle audiences through the lens of golf with content that drives action.”
Ragsdale was hired as CEO earlier in the year. He was previously Vox Media’s top revenue and marketing officer.
Buffalo Groupe previously acquired Rawle Murdy and Morning Read. Rawle Murdy, which has a staff of 27, also operates as a separate division of Buffalo Groupe, representing real estate, travel and hospitality and home services brands.
The Morning Read is a digital newsletter for golfers that Alex Miceli launched in 2017. Buffalo Groupe acquired it in May.
Buffalo Groupe’s other division, which used to be Buffalo Communications, is now known as Buffalo.Agency, and represents golf, sport and lifestyle brands.