MERGE Acquires Brado's Digital and Insight Practices to Deepen Behavioral Research and Accelerate AI-Driven Discoverability

CHICAGO, Aug. 26, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MERGE, a marketing and technology agency serving 160+ clients, today announced the acquisition of St. Louis-based Brado’s Insight and Digital practices. This acquisition unites qualitative research with digital performance capabilities, including generative engine optimization, creating the industry’s most complete human-centered growth engine.

According to the 2026 EY Global Consumer Health Report, while 89% of patients trust their healthcare providers, they also increasingly rely on digital channels—including conversational AI, generative search, and specialized platforms—to guide health choices and treatment requests. This consumer evolution underscores the urgent shift toward AI-driven health discovery engines augmenting traditional health journeys.