Everything Branding, an award-winning public relations and performance marketing agency, announced the acquisition of Darlington Marketing Co. (DMC), a Southern California-based marketing agency specializing in the food, grocery, restaurant, retail, and consumer packaged goods sectors.
The acquisition represents a significant step in Everything Branding’s growth strategy, bringing together two complementary agencies to create a larger integrated marketing and communications firm serving local, national, and international clients. The combined organization will provide services across consumer packaged goods, grocery, restaurant, retail, service industries, and other sectors.
Founded in 2018 by Chelsea Gladden, Everything Branding has built its business around earned media, paid digital advertising, SEO, social media strategy, and AI-driven brand visibility. The agency operates from offices in San Diego and Michigan and has worked with hundreds of brands across more than 45 countries.
Darlington Marketing Co., founded in 2011 by Cyndi Darlington, has developed expertise in grocery, restaurant, retail, and consumer packaged goods marketing. Its client roster includes grocery brands such as Lazy Acres Natural Market and New Leaf Community Markets, along with restaurant groups including Islands Fine Burgers & Drinks. The agency provides services including strategic planning, franchise marketing, local and community marketing, media planning and buying, branding, design, digital marketing, and customer engagement programs.
Following the acquisition, clients will gain access to an expanded suite of services that includes commerce-focused public relations, Google and Meta advertising, affiliate and influencer marketing, Amazon optimization, content creation, brand strategy, franchise marketing, experiential marketing, media buying, SEO, website development, and both B2B and B2C marketing solutions.
The transaction also strengthens Everything Branding’s presence in several growth sectors, including natural and specialty grocery, restaurants, food and beverage brands, and professional and design-build services.
The combined company will continue operating under the Everything Branding name. Team members from both organizations will remain in place to support clients and maintain continuity while pursuing future growth opportunities.
KEY QUOTES:
“Everything Branding is entering its next phase of growth, and this acquisition is a defining step in that journey. Cyndi and her team have spent 15 years building something truly exceptional — deep category expertise, long-standing client relationships, and a hands-on culture that mirrors our own. By bringing DMC under the Everything Branding umbrella, we are combining the best of earned media strategy, performance digital marketing and AI-driven brand visibility. Together, we are building a modern integrated communications agency that can serve brands at every stage of growth, from local operators to global enterprises.”
Chelsea Gladden, CEO And Founder, Everything Branding
“For our clients, this acquisition means access to a wealth of new strategies that enhance everything we have already built together. Everything Branding brings world-class capabilities that will directly elevate the results we deliver. For the DMC team, it means joining a growing, forward-thinking organization with a national presence and a clear vision for what modern marketing looks like. I could not be more excited about what we will build together for the brands and communities we serve.”
Cyndi Darlington, Founder And President, Darlington Marketing Co.
