One of the industry’s most prominent stand-alone public-relations firms is being scooped up by an operator that wants to compete on a bigger playing field.

Acceleration Community of Companies, a group of marketing-services firms led by industry veteran Michael Nyman, will take a majority stake in Dkc, the public-relations agency once known as Dan Klores Communications and that is recognized for its scrappy corporate demeanor. Acceleration and its majority shareholder, Solace Capital, have brought on New York growth equity firm, Verance Capital, as a strategic investor to support Acc’s next phase of growth.

The deal is effective immediately. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Acquisition of Dkc will lend Acceleration a greater presence in such areas as crisis communication and sports representation, says Sean Cassidy, who will take the title of CEO of Dkc. “I think we become a real powerhouse in L.A. really quickly,” he says.

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