Six companies are merging to form new stakeholder solutions company, Penta

Six companies, Ballast Research, Hamilton Place Strategies, Flag Media Analytics, alva, Decode_M and Gotham Research Group, are merging to form a comprehensive stakeholder solutions firm. The companies will be rebranded and launched as Penta, a stakeholder solutions firm.  Penta is backed by a majority investment by Falfurrias Capital Partners.

Previous Hamilton Place Strategies partner, Matt McDonald, will lead the firm as president. He says: “It is time to meet the [challenges faced by business leaders today] with a purpose-built firm that offers comprehensive and actionable intelligence to inform stakeholder strategy and engagement.

“With our proprietary technology and deep experience across sectors and disciplines, Penta is uniquely positioned to serve this need."

Penta is comprised of over 200 professionals in New York, London, Washington, D.C. and San Francisco, working to bring data-driven, strategic solutions to more than 200 clients. Its leadership includes senior partners Tony Fratto, Alberto Lopez-Valenzuela and Mike Berland. Mike Gottlieb will continue in his current role as president of Ballast Research within Penta. Beth Comstock and Alex Jutkowitz will serve as board advisors.

With the support of Falfurrias Capital Partners, Penta will continue to make acquisitions that will expand the firm's global reach. The integration of the firms into Penta will be complete by the end of year following the conclusion of Ballast Research's current research cycle.

"Penta's integrated approach will help leaders understand what the reputational risks they face mean for their business, and how to engage with stakeholders to reach desired outcomes," says board chair Alex Jutkowitz. "Looking ahead, we will continue to seek strategic opportunities that will enhance our offerings and insights."