In a move that could make it the largest standalone government relations firm in Harrisburg, Long Nyquist & Associates (LNA) has acquired lobbying firm Pugliese Associates.

With the acquisition, LNA now represents nearly 140 clients from various industries, including leading gaming, healthcare, infrastructure companies, and premier institutions of higher learning.

In a press release, Long Nyquist & Associates says it will now have 20 full-time government relations professionals and lobbyists. The merger of longtime firm founders Mike Long and Todd Nyquist with a veteran politico, Rocco Pugliese, will also enhance the level of experience and service for firm clients.

“When you can add a firm like Pugliese Associates, it’s a no-brainer. Rocco Pugliese built a great firm and has a career of being a relentless advocate for his clients,” Long and Nyquist, LAN founders and partners, said in a written statement. “His drive to deliver for his clients matches our firm’s commitment to packaging amazing service while delivering the results our clients want and deserve. This acquisition cements Long Nyquist & Associates’ position as Harrisburg’s leading government relations firm.”

Pugliese, who has more than 40 years of lobbying and state government experience, said when he was searching for a home for the firm he built, LAN was the right choice.

“The firm that Mike Long and Todd Nyquist built is rooted in a culture of winning for their clients. I built Pugliese Associates with that same guiding principle in mind,” Pugliese said. “Our entire firm looks forward to joining Long Nyquist & Associates. There is no doubt that this is the undisputed top firm in Harrisburg and Pennsylvania politics, and I can’t wait for what the future holds.”

Prior to founding LNA, Long served as the Chief of Staff/Staff Administrator to the Pennsylvania State Senate, the only staff position enumerated in the Pennsylvania State Constitution, for 25 years. He was named to the “City & State PA Power 100” list of the 100 most powerful people in Pennsylvania.

Nyquist served as a top advisor to the Senate Pro Tempore and was instrumental in shaping the generational Republican majority of the Pennsylvania State Senate, LNA said. For the past 20 years, he has played a role in nearly every major public policy initiative in the Commonwealth.

Pugliese founded the firm of Pugliese Associates in 1980, working from a small office in Harrisburg with a single client. Prior to this acquisition, Pugliese Associates had nearly 50 clients, including: non-profit organizations, universities, government authorities, state and national corporations, health care and trade associations.