Carnegie Communications, a US-based digital marketing firm which “offers integrated marketing strategies that will help you meet your recruitment and enrolment goals,” has acquired international digital marketing firm i-studentgroup.
i-studentgroup has been renamed ‘Carnegie Communications Global’, and will remain based in Brighton, UK, under the presidency of Paul Loftus, CEO of i-studentgroup. Chairman and CEO of Carnegie, Joe Moore, is now also chairman of the renamed company.
“It seemed a perfect fit, to sell i-studentgroup yet to own a big share in Carnegie Global with a greater portfolio”
Carnegie headquarters will remain in Massachusetts, US.
In a statement, Moore said Carnegie has always aimed to operate outside of the US, and the acquisition expedites that process.
“Our strategic plans have always included expanding internationally. This acquisition positions us to do that much more quickly,” he said.
Along with its main website, i-studentgroup runs i-studentglobal.com and whystudyhere.com – which shows students reviews and experiences of students at the universities they may be looking to apply to.
Paul Loftus said he was “delighted” by the acquisition and to be leading the new company, adding that it will be a “perfect fit” between two firms that have similar outlooks, but cohesive strategies that will be built on by the newly created global division.
“The acquisition of i-studentgroup works for [Carnegie] as we’ll bring international recruitment expertise to the table. But more importantly the new Carnegie Global will take the digital marketing expertise that Carnegie has honed in the US to the rest of the world,” he told The PIE News.
“It seemed a perfect fit for me, to sell i-studentgroup yet to own a big share in Carnegie Global with a greater portfolio to offer and the backing and support of such a professional well regarded company that is excelling in the area where every institution has to look to.”
Carnegie’s president and COO of the new company, Meghan Dalesandro, echoed Loftus’ sentiment of increased internationalisation.
“Carnegie’s mission has always been to help students find the right universities and colleges and, additionally, help universities and colleges find the right students. Now, with i-studentgroup, we’re able to offer our comprehensive marketing solutions worldwide,” she said.
Both companies are looking to grow in size, as well as reach, in the next five years.
“We plan to grow Carnegie Global in Brighton & Hove to 50+ over the next 5 years, whilst Carnegie looks to grow from 80 to 150 over the same time period,” Loftus added.
