ORLANDO, FL and WASHINGTON – January 15, 2019 – GrayRobinson announced today it has acquired Washington, D.C., based lobbying firm Eris Group, LLC, effective February 1. The acquisition extends GrayRobinson’s capabilities beyond Florida, and expands its capacity to serve clients with federal lobbying needs.
"Bringing together our resources significantly benefits both firms and our clients, integrating strong federal lobbying experience and enhancing our ability to help clients succeed at the intersection of law and politics," said Mayanne Downs, president and managing director at GrayRobinson. "Eris Group’s impressive client list and seasoned lobbying talent are key to building out our federal component. This is in direct response to our clients requesting our services at the federal level."
Eris Group’s reputation in the federal space, daily contact with policymakers, and strong knowledge of the business and political environment in Washington bolsters GrayRobinson’s successful Florida-based lobbying practice. Each of Eris Group’s members brings a broad set of congressional, regulatory, administrative, and business contacts, benefitting both firms’ clients.
Additionally, Eris Group’s Florida background complements GrayRobinson’s extensive footprint in the Sunshine State. Co-founded by Doyle Bartlett, a native Floridian and former Chief of Staff to Rep. Bill McCollum (R-FL), Eris Group understands the intricacies of navigating all branches of federal government.
"Joining forces with GrayRobinson highlights our Florida roots and provides opportunities to assist our clients at the state level," said Bartlett. "The cultural fit and like-minded goals we share made this an easy decision, and we are excited for our firm and our clients as this acquisition brings the best of the business, political, and legal communities together."
With this acquisition, GrayRobinson’s Government Affairs and Lobbying Practice Group grows to 26 lobbyists throughout Florida and Washington, D.C.
"The addition of Eris Group’s talented professionals to our already strong Florida lobbying capabilities really made sense," said Dean Cannon, chair of GrayRobinson’s government affairs practice and former Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives. "We’ve always enjoyed helping our clients succeed at the local and state level, but the inclusion of Doyle and his seasoned team arms us to fully serve the federal lobbying needs of our Florida clients."
Read press coverage below:
Business Observer, With Acquisition, Law Firm Expands Influence in Nation's Capital
Daily Business Review, After Two Years of Review, GrayRobinson Expands Outside Florida With DC Lobbying Boutique
Florida Politics, The Morning Read of What’s Hot in Florida Politics — 1.15.19
Law360, Florida's GrayRobinson Picks Up DC Lobbying Firm
The National Law Journal, Florida's GrayRobinson Lands in DC With Lobbying Boutique Acquisition
Orlando Business Journal, GrayRobinson to Acquire Federal Lobbying Firm
Politico, Eris Group will Merge with Florida Firm
Spacecoast Business, GrayRobinson to Acquire Washington Based Federal Lobbying Firm Eris Group
Washington Business Journal, D.C. Lobbying Shop Acquired by Florida Firm