Laughlin Constable, an integrated communications agency with offices in Chicago and Milwaukee, has merged with New York-based Partners + Jeary. The combined firm will have billings of $220 million, and 155 employees spread among three offices. "We are two firms with a similar vision and creative process," said Steve Laughlin, a partner at Laughlin Constable, adding "for more than 30 years L/C has built our business on the belief that great ideas ignite business results across all media."

Steve Laughlin will continue to run the Chicago and Milwaukee offices of the merged entities, while Michael Jeary will become president of Laughlin Constable/New York. Steve Laughlin and Michael Jeary first met though the American Association of Advertising Agencies, serving on the "Emerald Forum" together for 10 years. Over that time, L/C acquired a Chicago office, and the success of that office led the agency to consider a New York outpost as well.