Dev shop Happy Cog acquired by NYC firm Vector Media Group

Design and web development firm Happy Cog, founded in 1999 and a key link between Philly’s creative and tech communities, has been acquired by New York-based Vector Media Group (VMG).

No specific terms of the deal to acquire the Center City company were released, but VMG cofounder Matt Weinberg told Technical.ly the acquisition was for “a sizable amount.”

“We are comfortable with the investment made,” Weinberg said. “Happy Cog’s rich legacy in the design and development community strategically aligns with ours. We are extending our capabilities while continuing to challenge ourselves to create engagement opportunities beyond anything we’ve ever imagined.”

The combined company will retain separate branding in the near term, and will have a total of 52 employees split between New York and Happy Cog’s Philly offices, which is staying put.

Big news. No, really big news. Happy Cog has been acquired by Vector Media Group in NYC. We couldn’t be more excited. Read more on our site: https://t.co/RiRH29kiGR and on Vector’s site https://t.co/hb8O6pfYIP  #bettertogether

— Happy Cog® (@happycog) November 13, 2018

“Combining our unique talents with the significant expertise and capabilities Vector Media Group offers, now provides us with the depth and scale we’ve been longing for,” said Happy Cog Principal Greg Hoy. “We’re confident that with Vector Media Group’s solid track record for helping clients scale their business — combined with our track record as a pioneer in user-centered design and thought leadership — will collectively enable us to set a new bar for our clients and the industry.”

In 2015, the company took on the project of redesigning Philly.com. It’s also built websites and digital products for brands such as Papa John’s, Ben & Jerry’s and Zappos.