Mort Crim Communications Inc. has been sold to the company's executive team. The announcement was made by the outgoing owner, President and CEO Terrence Oprea. Terms of the transaction were not released.
"This is the culmination of years of planning between our executives and me," Oprea said in a statement. "The new ownership team knows virtually every detail of leading, growing and managing this award-winning agency, so I expect a seamless, excellent future for MCCI. I'm thrilled this is happening at a time when we're experiencing unprecedented client momentum, top-line growth and significant expansion of our downtown Detroit headquarters."
Purchasing the agency are former COO and CFO Christopher Heaton, who now leads as CEO of the firm; Senior Vice President Richard Donley, APR, now president; Senior Vice President Todd Haight, now chief strategy officer; and Senior Vice President Jennette Smith Kotila, now CMO. Oprea will be of counsel to the agency for the short term to aid in transition details.
MCCI boasts more than 40 clients, representing many national and international brands. Industry expertise includes automotive, supply chain, professional services, manufacturing, education, government, healthcare, real estate, association and nonprofit segments. MCCI has continued to expand its integrated capabilities including advertising, branding, creative services, digital media, video production and public relations.
Heaton added: "We admire and respect Terry for his 26 years of leadership since he joined the firm in 1993. Our agency, founded on the principles of integrity and excellence, is well-positioned in this competitive market to continue the acceleration of our growth and success as we begin this next chapter."
Heaton said the new ownership team is committed to the firm's Detroit home and will keep its headquarters in the Murphy-Telegraph Building, located in the heart of the financial district. MCCI also is expanding the footprint of the firm by adding 4,000 square feet of space. A grand opening is expected in the first quarter of 2020. MCCI moved to Detroit in 2014. The firm also has operated an office in Orlando since 2014.
MCCI was founded in 1993 by legendary broadcaster Mort Crim, joined by Post-Newsweek (WDIV-TV) Executive Producer and journalist Terry Oprea. Crim retired in 2008, selling the firm fully at that time to Oprea.
MCCI’s executive team poses in the 4,000-square-foot expansion of its downtown Detroit headquarters. From L to R: Jennette Smith Kotila, Christopher Heaton, Terrence Oprea, Richard Donley and Todd Haight.
