Toronto-based Ariad Communications has been acquired by High Road Capital Partners (HRCP) from Founder, Hugh Furneaux for an undisclosed sum.  Moving forward, Ariad will retain its name in Canada and partner with its US counterpart Bluespire Marketing, also owned by HRCP.

“Many of Ariad’s clients have asked us about having a U.S. presence to support their business. We have also been looking to expand in the U.S. as our healthcare expertise and direct-to-consumer strategies lend very well to the U.S. marketplace. This combination will allow Ariad’s founder, Hugh Furneaux, who retired 9 years ago, to formally exit the business knowing that the cultural and philosophical approach he helped establish would be maintained. It’s a win for our clients, our employees, and the markets we serve,” states Mike Beckerman, President of Ariad, who will become CEO of the combined entities.

Ariad was founded by Hugh Furneaux in 1989 and has since retired from the agency’s day to day operations.  Ariad’s partnership with Bluespire Marketing extends to Bluespire Senior Living. Formerly Martino & Binzer, who had been serving the senior living market for 20 years, Bluespire Senior Living focuses on marketing, sales and technology solutions in the senior living and aging services industry.

We have confirmed with a media contact at Ariad that the acquisition will not result in any job losses to the Ariad team.
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