January 24, 2005

Dieckmann & Associates announced today  that it is joining with Whittlesey & Associates to form Integré Partners, Ltd., and is broadening its scope to include a mergers and acquisitions practice.  "By combining independently successful practices, and with the addition of senior partners, the firm is better positioned for growth and transition," according to Ralph Dieckmann, Managing Director.

Whittlesey was formed in Philadelphia in 1978 by Jim Hogg and has focused on consumer goods, paper, packaging, information resources and high technology executive search.  This practice complements the private equity, banking, professional service, manufacturing and insurance competencies of the Dieckmann practice, which was formed in 1980.

In an initial step to broaden the service offerings and gain greater client insight, Integré Partners has initiated a buy-side acquisition practice to assist its private equity, corporate and individual clients in the sourcing and negotiation of targeted quality acquisitions. "These two practice elements operate off the same research platform, making the delivery of both services quite efficient," according to Dieckmann.  To provide technical and professional leadership in this new practice, John Gerhart, previously a Principal at The Buckingham Group and Pfingsten Partners, has joined the firm.