Doug Ashbury
Northern News Services

NNSL (July 14/99) - Marketing and communications company Outcrop and multi-media firm Duct Tape have merged, the Yellowknife-based companies announced Monday.

"There's a synergy in our combined talents and the expanded range of expertise we can offer," Marion LaVigne, president of the merged companies, said.

"Electronic media is an essential component of today's marketing plans and together we are well-positioned to offer increased services across the North," she said.

The new company will continue as Outcrop Communications pending a review by the agency's new board.

There will be no changes in staffing.

Duct Tape, started by in 1995 by David Gilbert, Jamie Burr and Liz Vens, provides Web site development and other Internet services.

Outcrop has almost 25 years of marketing and communications experience in the North.

The combined entity will offer communications planning, print design and marketing solutions for Web sites and electronic commerce.

The merger includes a share ownership program for employees and a seat on the new firm's board for employee shareholders.

In August, the merged company will take up larger offices in the Precambrian building. Up Here Publishing Ltd., a subsidiary of Outcrop, will be operated from the new offices.

Assistance with the merger was provided by Ile Royale Enterprises.