Huntsworth has merged Dutko Worldwide and Grayling to create (hold on now) Dutko Grayling.

Huntsworth CEO Lord Peter Chadlington is calling the new agency “a lobbying firm-plus.” Perhaps the “plus” stands for “plus more more cash.” According to The Hill, Dutko has seen its lobbying revenue take a steep hit; from $8.8 million for the first half of 2010 to $6.2 million for the first half of this year. Nevertheless, the firm says it’s hiring. And Lord Chadlington reasserted the firm’s commitment to becoming a bigger player in the U.S. in a statement.

Mark Irion, CEO of Dutko Worldwide, will lead the PR and public affairs division. David Beightol will lead state and local government lobbying. Craig Pattee will head up the education policy and risk management consulting group. And both Andy Wright and Kim Koontz Bayliss will lead the federal lobbying division.