Mustang Marketing to acquire marketing firm, ZestNet Inc.
Ventura County’s largest full-service marketing firm to expand with purchase of Ventura-based marketing agency
THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. (March 1, 2018) – Mustang Marketing, the largest full-service marketing agency in Ventura County, will finalize its purchase of ZestNet Inc., a digital and traditional marketing firm located in Ventura, California, on April 1, 2018.
The transition, which is currently underway, will blend the skillsets of two of the oldest marketing agencies in Ventura County, while positioning Mustang to expand its PR and marketing services to West Ventura County and Santa Barbara. Scott Harris, CEO of Mustang, and Ric Ruffinelli of ZestNet have had a mutual respect for each other’s businesses for years and concluded the timing was right.
“Scott and I have been exploring opportunities to continue Mustang’s expansion of services, and this acquisition allows us to do so, while bringing together two talented firms,” said Dianne McKay, president of Mustang. “We are looking forward to the added depth and experience both Mustang and our clients will benefit from through this merge as we further strengthen our service capabilities not only locally, but nationally.”
For now, Mustang plans to keep both locations open, with a team located in Ventura as well as in the main office in Thousand Oaks where Mustang is currently headquartered.
“Mustang brings 30-plus years of experience, an excellent staff and services such as strategic planning to the table,” said Ruffinelli. “We are confident that Mustang will continue the fine tradition that ZestNet has embraced these past 20 years of providing quality marketing services for our clients, while adding depth and breadth, and exciting new ideas for our staff to collaborate on under new ownership.”
ZestNet’s full staff will be retained by Mustang, along with Ruffinelli, who plans to stay on for the foreseeable future. Duane Eells of ZestNet will be aiding in the transition before parting from the agency to pursue other opportunities.