Merger Creates S.D.’s Largest PR, Ad Company

Stoorza, Ziegaus & Metzger, a large San Diego-based advertising and public relations firm, has acquired Franklin & Associates, also of San Diego, the two companies said Friday. Terms were not disclosed.

The merger created what is probably the largest locally based advertising and public relations firm, with about $69 million in combined annual statewide billings, said Gail Stoorza Gill, majority owner and chief executive.

The merger, effective March 1, also caused layoffs Friday of four Franklin & Associates employees, including publicist Rick Griffin and three clerical workers, Gill said. The merged entity will total 58 employees.

Franklin & Associates President Bob Cerasoli will remain as chairman and “significant investor” at Stoorza, Ziegaus & Metzger’s new advertising unit, to be called Franklin Stoorza. Dan Silverman, previously head of the Stoorza advertising operation, now reports to Cerasoli.

Stoorza’s clients, a balance of advertising and public relations accounts, include Presley of San Diego home builders, Cartier jewelers and the TraveLodge hotel chain, among others. The firm also has offices in Sacramento, Los Angeles and Riverside.

Franklin’s client roster, which consists almost exclusively of advertising accounts, includes San Diego Gas & Electric, the San Diego Padres and San Diego County McDonald’s franchises.

Franklin & Associates was a subsidiary of now-insolvent Great American Bank until the advertising company was acquired by Cerasoli and other managers in 1990. Franklin’s operation will be moved from its existing base at 600 B St. to the Stoorza offices in the Home Savings tower on Broadway.