Vested has acquired Watermark Strategies, a corporate communications and public affairs consulting firm, for an undisclosed amount. The transaction brings Watermark, founded by industry veterans Zack Condry and Erik Hotmire, under the ownership of Vested, which will now absorb the firm’s operations and client work into its broader advisory platform.
Watermark specializes in strategic stakeholder advisory and engagement, helping clients navigate complex corporate affairs landscapes. The firm’s approach combines real-time data and insights with practitioner experience, offering both counsel and execution for high-stakes communications challenges. Vested, which provides its own communications and advisory services, will integrate Watermark’s capabilities to expand its service offerings in corporate affairs and public policy.
The acquisition is driven by a need to deepen expertise in stakeholder management, an area where Watermark has built a reputation for delivering results. By bringing Watermark’s team and methodologies in-house, Vested gains immediate access to a specialized skill set and established client relationships. For Watermark, the deal provides the scale and resources of a larger organization, allowing its founders and staff to extend their reach beyond their previous independent structure.
The combined entity will operate with a broader suite of services, spanning traditional communications, data-driven counsel, and public affairs execution. Clients of both firms are expected to benefit from a more integrated offering, though specific integration plans have not been disclosed. The founders of Watermark will remain involved in the transition, ensuring continuity for existing engagements.
With the acquisition complete, Vested now holds a stronger position in the corporate affairs segment, while Watermark’s practitioners gain access to a larger operational footprint. The immediate focus will be on merging workflows and aligning client teams, with further details on the combined structure expected in the coming months.