Next Fifteen Communications Group, the holding company of firms including Text 100, Bite, Outcast, M Booth and a number of others opened a dedicated digital consultancy Beyond (previously codenamed ‘Project Metal’), announced today.

The $115 million company purchased digital design and strategy firm Type3 a week ago, and is merging its 20 person staff with Context-Analytics, a 10 person research shop to form Beyond. Clients include Google, Genentech, Hilton Group and Virgin America. Beyond has staff in San Francisco and London, and will be opening a New York office within weeks.

According to spokesperson, the new firm will emphasize the disciplines of listening and influence more associated with PR firms, in concert with a three-prong earned, owned and paid media mix.

Like MDC, Next Fifteen has grown considerably through the constant acquisition of small firms with various marketing expertise.

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