2 Design Firms Join Forces

Two small design shops’ decision to combine forces was an effort to expand their expertise and geographic reach.

Group Four, an Avon, Conn.-based packaging- and product-design shop, has acquired Bridgewater Design, a branding-design firm in Chicago.

Donna Skupien, who started Bridgewater 12 years ago, moves to Group Four’s Chicago office as creative director. She brings with her three designers and one brand-development executive, along with clients that include Allstate Insurance and the Wm. Wrigley Jr. Co.

Skupien will report to Frank von Holzhausen, president of Group Four, who works out of the firm’s Avon headquarters.