Brook Portfolio Company LW Robbins Acquires KerstenDirect

LW Robbins, a full service direct response fundraising agency that has exclusively served nonprofit organizations for over 40 years, announced today that it has acquired Dallas-based KerstenDirect. 

Holliston, MA – April 2, 2014 – LW Robbins, a direct response fundraising agency, has acquired KerstenDirect. The companies have merged operations and Tim Kersten has been appointed CEO of the combined company RobbinsKersten Direct. Operating from offices in Boston and Dallas, the company will continue to provide award winning multi-channel direct response fundraising strategy and advanced data analytics.

Lynn Edmonds, who led a major expansion of LW Robbins over the past 12 years, will continue with the firm through the end of 2014 to assist in the leadership transition. She also retains a seat on the board of directors.

“This acquisition brings together two highly regarded agencies with complementary strengths to provide even deeper and broader expertise to help nonprofits raise more net revenue to support their missions,” said RobbinsKersten Direct Chairman, Walter Beinecke. “We are proud of LW Robbins’ 40-year legacy as a direct response fundraising agency and nonprofit industry leader. Adding to that heritage KerstenDirect’s next-generation digital fundraising capabilities, advanced data analytics, and direct mail acumen make the new agency an attractive choice for nonprofits looking for trusted counsel and breakthrough strategies.”

Beinecke said the two companies have been in discussions since late 2013, prompted by the firms’ desire for growth and a more robust service offering to clients.

“To stay ahead, nonprofits need to integrate every channel and drive higher net revenue by leveraging both the science and the art of the fundraising discipline. I am optimistic that RobbinsKersten Direct under Tim Kersten’s leadership will set a new standard, helping nonprofits to reach and exceed their fundraising goals” says Beinecke.

RobbinsKersten Direct offers complete direct mail strategy, award-winning creative, and production; email marketing, SEM/SEO, media, website design, and site optimization; and advanced data analytics and modeling solutions.

The agency’s clients include Brigham and Women’s Hospital, BrightFocus Foundation (Alzheimer’s Disease Research, Macular Degeneration Research, and National Glaucoma Research), Coast Guard Foundation, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, National Ovarian Cancer Coalition, National Park Foundation, Special Olympics, St. Labre Indian School, Susan G. Komen, Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, and more than 35 food banks nationwide.

CONTACT

Polly Papsadore
RobbinsKersten Direct
Director of Marketing
Tel: 800-229-5974, ext. 200
Direct: 508-474-2200
Fax: 508-893-0212
ppapsadore@lwra.com