LV agency merges with Hawaii marketer

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Thursday, Nov. 11, 1999 | 12:33 p.m.

Swamp Rhino Advertising, an advertising agency with a public relations division known as SRPR, has merged with Starr Seigle Communications, Hawaii's largest marketing firm.

The local company will keep its existing name and become a division of SSC. Terms were not disclosed.

Swamp Rhino was established in 1993 by Peter Poggione and Sean McKinley. George McCabe joined them in 1998 to head the public relations division. The company has about 11 employees and its accounts include Sprint PCS, Gordon Biersch Brewing Co., Travelscape.com and Turnberry Place.

SSC was formed in 1983 with the merger of Starr McCombs Koch, and Seigle Rolfs & Wood. The company has offices in Honolulu and Agana, Guam, and had $50 million in billings in 1998. It has about 80 employees.

SSC officials said they were interested in expanding into Las Vegas and the Southwest. Chairman Jack Bates said the company plans to expand accounts and services offered in the Las Vegas office.