Meridian Group, a Virginia Beach-based marketing and communications firm, merged with one of the region’s oldest advertising agencies, Norfolk-based WB Marketing.

Together, the two established firms possess more than 100 years of experience offering full-service traditional and digital advertising, marketing and public relations throughout Hampton Roads and beyond.

The firms operate under the umbrella of Five Point Capital, a private investment firm and parent company of WB Marketing. They will maintain their current Norfolk and Virginia Beach offices.

The acquisition follows the semiretirement of Meridian Group CEO Joe Takach. Takach, who founded Meridian in 1980, said in a news release that he leaves the agency in excellent hands and will serve as a consultant.

WB Marketing, founded by the late Leonard R. Waters as Waters Advertising Agency in 1960 in Newport News, became Waters & Bridgman Marketing Solutions in 2012 when Waters’ son, Howard, and Sandy Bridgman joined forces.

In July 2020, Mike Matacunas and his wife, Jean, bought the agency, rebranded it as WB Marketing and eight months later, moved it to 251 Granby St. in Norfolk.

CEO Jean Matacunas said in the announcement that they transformed the firm over the past few years and established themselves as a premier digital and creative agency with a passion for clients and transformation.

“This combination enables us to bring this same passion and fun to more clients, every day,” Jean Matacunas said.

WB Marketing’s work includes branding, digital, print, video and web for clients such as the city of Norfolk, Virginia Health Services and The Breeden Co.

Bill Brunelle, the newly named president of Meridian Group, said he is excited to build upon the company’s legacy and bring more services, insights and skills to the market.

“We have the great fortune of working with many of the top businesses in the area and now, we have more talent and depth than anyone else to make a difference for our clients,” Brunelle said.

Meridian Group services clients in a variety of industries, including consumer goods and services, tourism, food and beverage, health care, nonprofits and real estate. Its clients include Stihl Inc., Smithfield Foods, the city of Virginia Beach and the Chrysler Museum of Art.

“This is one of the most exciting times in my 30-plus year career and the future has never been brighter,” Brunelle said.

Sandra J. Pennecke, 757-652-5836, sandra.pennecke@insidebiz.com