CRT/tanaka Acquires Lewis & Neale, Inc.
Agency Combines Forces to Become Leader in Food and Nutrition

Richmond, Va. - CRT/tanaka announced that it has acquired New York-based agency Lewis & Neale, the leading marketing communications agency devoted exclusively to food and nutrition. While Lewis & Neale will continue to operate separately as a wholly owned subsidiary of CRT/tanaka, the acquisition creates an agency that is a leader in the food, beverage and nutrition categories with more than $12 million of combined fees.

Lewis & Neale brings an experienced team of food marketing professionals to the CRT/tanaka organization, including food writers, recipe developers and a registered dietitian, as well as marketing, advertising, research and media experts. Specialized in-house facilities include a test kitchen and an extensive food-focused library.

Anita Fial will continue to serve as president of Lewis & Neale, and the agency’s existing New York office lease will be maintained.

"This acquisition is about consolidating resources to add value for our clients. The breadth of Lewis & Neale’s experience in food and nutrition increases our strength within these categories," said Mark Raper, chairman and CEO of CRT/tanaka. "It demonstrates our commitment to become the leading agency within the food and nutrition categories."

"We have always respected CRT/tanaka’s work and culture and are excited to join forces with such a leader in the PR and marketing industry," Fial said. "Our agencies have the right chemistry, share similar ideals and have histories of world-class service that together form a great recipe for future success."

Lewis & Neale has provided high-profile solutions for clients that include: U.S. Apple Association, Avocado Producers and Exporters from Mexico (APEAM), Chilean Fresh Fruit Association, U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council, Duda Farm Fresh Foods, European Union Products Campaign, Florida SuperSweet Corn Council, Florida Tomato Committee, Mexican Hass Avocado Importers Association (MHAIA), North Carolina SweetPotato Commission and Prosciutto di Parma.

About CRT/tanaka
CRT/tanaka is an award-winning public relations and marketing firm known for its whatcanbeSM workplace culture and approach to business. Headquartered in Richmond, Va., and New York, with offices in Los Angeles and Norfolk, Va., CRT/tanaka features four integrated specialties – Consumer, Health, Corporate and Interactive. The agency has been recognized with nearly 300 national and regional awards for its strategic counsel, creativity, workplace culture and community service. Clients include Air New Zealand, BISSELL Homecare, Inc., Charles Schwab & Co., Council for Responsible Nutrition, Council of Better Business Bureaus, GSK, Girl Scouts of the USA, Next Wave Pharmaceuticals, Performance Food Group, Sprint Nextel, Quebec Maple Syrup, Wines from Rioja (Spain), and VHA Inc. More information about CRT/tanaka is available at www.crt-tanaka.com.

About Lewis & Neale
Lewis & Neale is the leading communications agency devoted exclusively to the marketing of food and beverages to consumers, foodservice operators, retailers and food manufacturers. The agency provides clients with extraordinary value through carefully crafted and budgeted programs that launch and reposition products, enhance image, change attitudes and build demand. Because of its singular focus, Lewis & Neale delivers the research, strategy, creative and flawless execution expected of a large agency – with the attention to detail and value-for-dollar of the finest boutique agency. More information about Lewis & Neale is available at www.lewis-neale.com.