Bear Icebox Communications (BICOM) has acquired Carson Stoga Communications, a boutique public relations and communications agency focused on brand reputation and crisis management, the companies said. Financial terms were not disclosed.
The deal expands BICOM’s reputation management and crisis readiness offerings as the Chicago-based agency approaches its 10-year anniversary. Carson Stoga brings more than two decades of experience advising organizations on crisis planning, real-time response, and reputational strategy, BICOM said.
BICOM CEO and co-founder Bob Spoerl said the acquisition is intended to deepen the agency’s ability to support clients in high-pressure situations, as well as help organizations prepare before issues escalate. The combined team plans to provide what it described as a more integrated approach spanning proactive planning, rapid response, and longer-term brand resilience.
Carson Stoga co-founder Susan Stoga will join BICOM as a senior strategist and will continue to lead crisis and reputational accounts and projects. Patti Thomas, described as a long-time senior leader at Carson Stoga, is also joining the organization.
Founded in 2016, BICOM positions itself as a strategic PR and communications partner for B2B brands, serving clients across financial services, manufacturing, industrial, professional services, and hospitality.
KEY QUOTES:
“In an era of instantaneous information and AI everywhere, organizations need an effective human communication strategy to cut through the noise so their brand is protected, proactive, and prevailing in this quickly evolving media landscape. This acquisition enhances our ability to provide strategic communications support for clients facing a crisis or those who simply want to be prepared for when it hits.”
Bob Spoerl, CEO and Co-Founder, Bear Icebox Communications
“Reputation is built or lost in real time, and our team has spent decades helping brands navigate those high-stakes moments. This partnership allows us to combine our experience with additional resources and strategic insight, expanding our ability to help organizations anticipate risk, navigate high-stakes moments, and protect long-term brand value.”
Susan Stoga, Co-Founder, Carson Stoga Communications
