Two Virginia advertising agencies to combine

Two Richmond-based advertising agencies are combining.

The ad firm ndp has agreed in principle to acquire Free Agents Marketing this fall, creating a firm with offices in Richmond, Roanoke, Norfolk and Chattanooga, Tenn.

“Combining two of Richmond's biggest names in advertising and marketing is a 'win-win' in both talent and expertise while providing the additional resources to fuel our growth,” says Daniel Fell, president and CEO of ndp, said in a statement.

The combined staff in Richmond will move to ndp's new location in Richmond’s Scott's Addition area by the end of the year.

Ken Wayland, principal of Free Agents Marketing, will become executive vice president at ndp. He was recognized by the Richmond Ad Club in 2014 as Ad Person of the Year, an honor ndp principals Roger Neathawk and Susan Dubuque received last year.

Founded in 2001, Free Agents Marketing was named Henrico Business of the Year in 2011 and in 2014 received a ChamberRVA IMPACT Award.

Its clients include Guest Services, The Royal Group, UC Health, Boost Promotional Branding, CapCenter, Norfolk's Waterside District, The Port of Virginia and LifeNet Health.

Founded in 1984, ndp swept both Best in Show categories in the Virginia Public Relations Society of America Awards last year.

Its clients include VCU Health, Kindred Healthcare, The Jefferson Hotel and Universal Fibers.