Manifest buys Morning Walk, adding 50 staff and a Milwaukee base
What's the deal? Manifest, an independent, full-service agency based in Chicago, has acquired fellow independent agency Morning WalkDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → for undisclosed terms. The deal adds roughly 50 staff and establishes a Manifest presence in Milwaukee.
What's the endgame? Morning Walk expands Manifest's capabilities across public relations, social media, creator marketing, and crisis communications. "The addition of the Integrated Communications practice rounds out our offering," said Manifest chief executive officer Ross Shelleman.
Where's the expansion? The Milwaukee office extends Manifest's Midwest footprint beyond Chicago. Morning Walk operates from both cities and brings clients including Kalahari Resorts & Conventions, OPTIMA BatteriesDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →, and BOSS Snowplow.
Who's moving? Morning Walk chief executive officer Pat Goggin joins Manifest as executive vice president, reporting to Shelleman. Co-owner and chief creative officer Steve Simoncic also becomes executive vice president, reporting to Steve Slivka, who has been promoted to president of Manifest.
Why now? Manifest signalled an acquisition-led growth plan earlier this year, and Shelleman said the deal "has been years in the making and the time was right." He pointed to the growing importance of connecting paid, earned, and owned media.
The signal: The deal fits a wider push by independent agencies to build scale and connected services through acquisitions. Chicago's The Motion AgencyDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → made several deals in 2026, Hawke MediaDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → bought Minneapolis-based Rocket55, and MMGY combined with R&R Partners — all chasing integrated client work from a larger base.
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