Asher & Partners, Italia/Gal Ad Agencies Merge

Asher & Partners and Italia/Gal, two Los Angeles-based advertising agencies, said they have merged into a company to be known as Asher/Gal & Partners. The merger “deepens our capabilities in so many key areas,” said Kenneth Gal, who will serve as president and chief executive of the firm with combined billings of more than $100 million. Hal Asher will serve as chairman. Asher/Gal’s client list includes California Children and Families Commission, Whole Foods Markets, Geffen Playhouse, GameWorks, Dunn-Edwards, the County of Los Angeles’ anti-smoking campaign and Shakey’s Pizza. The combined companies will continue to operate out of an office at 5900 Wilshire Blvd.