Supreme Group, a portfolio of business, marketing, and communications services companies backed by private equity firm Trinity Hunt Partners, acquires BioStrata, which provides comprehensive marketing communication services to the life science sector. Cambridge, England-based BioStrata has worked with companies in areas including life science research tools, medical devices, diagnostics, contract research and manufacturing, and biopharma. BioStrata's leadership will remain in place, and the agency will continue to operate under its brand name as a standalone organization within Supreme Group. BioStrata co-founder and managing director Clare Russell will take the role of president, while co-founder and CEO Paul Avery will take on the role of VP marketing for Supreme Group. “BioStrata’s integrated communications and marketing expertise will enable us to better serve the diverse needs of life science companies, broaden our client base, and further expand our footprint in the UK and Europe,” said Supreme Group CEO Tom Donnelly.

Ballard Partners launches the Ballard Global Alliance, a partnership with Japan’s KyodoPR and SABI Strategy Group, a London-based strategic communications firm. The Alliance will give clients of KyodoPR and SABI Strategy Group access to Ballard Partners lobbyists in Washington, D.C., and throughout the United States. Ballard’s global clients will be able to tap into the expertise of KyodoPR’s and SABI Strategy Group’s staffs. Each firm will continue to operate under current management, but they will share offices and resources. “This collaboration further strengthens our ability to serve our clients by providing unparalleled service across the Pacific and Atlantic oceans,” said Ballard Partners president and founder Brian Ballard.

NextTech Communications, a women-led, integrated communications agency that works with tech companies, is one of the hosts of the NJ Women in Technology & Business Forum, which will take place at the Bell Works building in Holmdel, NJ on Wednesday, Sept. 18. The event will connect technology and business leaders from the tri-state area and center around the theme of “Investing in Women,” addressing how the tech and business community can better invest in women and women-led businesses. Discussion topics will include: personal anecdotes on how women in the tech field built successful careers, a look at areas where women are currently not getting the investments or support that they need, strategies for how the NJ community can get involved in women-led and owned businesses in technology and beyond, and advice for women at all stages of their careers across industries. The event is free, but attendees need to register by September 10. “We created this event to help advance the discussion of women in business while creating a forum for career advancement and networking,” said NextTech Communications CEO Janine Savarese.