Richter7, Kassing Andrews announce merger

Two of Utah’s largest advertising agencies, Richter7 and Kassing Andrews Advertising, are merging to create MaHK Advertising (pronounced “make”), which will immediately rank as one of Utah’s largest media buying agencies.

Effective June 1, MaHK will operate from the Kassing Andrews’ building on Parleys Way in Salt Lake City The firm will service current clients in more than 40 markets from California to Florida, the company said.

“We are absolutely thrilled to combine these complementary marketing teams of professionals to serve our clients with media buying power, unmatched creative executions, analytics and customer service,” said Jason Kassing, a co-founder of Kassing Andrews, who becomes a partner and executive vice president of MaHK. “Both Kassing Andrews and Richter7 have had strong years recently and have no plans to lay off any employees. In fact, MaHK is interviewing now for seasoned professionals to strengthen our digital media and account services teams.”

With its roots in Utah since 1971, Richter7, originally Fotheringham & Associates, is Utah’s longest-standing advertising agency.

“Combining our strengths and melding two highly respected agencies in the business only makes sense,” said Tal Harry, Richter7 CEO, who also becomes a partner and executive vice president of MaHK. “Because clients love the strategic leadership and analytics we provide, layering on the media buying clout of Kassing Andrews with ours only results in better value for each client.”

Harry said MaHK will continue to focus on the food, automotive, grocery, tourism and higher education industries, with clients such as Papa Murphy’s, Big O Tires, Maverik, ICON Health & Fitness, Associated Food Stores, Lagoon, Quick Quack Car Wash, Nate Wade and others.

“At our core, we create great escapes for our clients whose consumers feel trapped in the tediousness of everyday lives, not only during the pandemic but far beyond,” said Harry.

MāHK Advertising derived its unconventional name by applying the first letter of its four principals’ last names: Walt McRoberts, Karen Andrews, Tal Harry and Jason Kassing.