FGS Global Buys Russell Group in 3rd 2026 Deal, Expanding Agriculture Lobbying
Updated
Updated · POLITICO · Oct 14
FGS Global Buys Russell Group in 3rd 2026 Deal, Expanding Agriculture Lobbying
1 articles · Updated · POLITICO · Oct 14
Summary
FGS Global has acquired The Russell Group, adding a Washington agriculture lobbying shop in its third acquisition of 2026.
The deal gives FGS deeper reach into food, farm and pharma policy through Russell Group clients including Kraft Heinz, Bayer and Cargill, plus trade groups such as the National Grain and Feed Association.
The Russell Group traces its roots to 1985, when former Agriculture Secretary Dick Lyng and former Assistant Secretary Bill Lesher founded the firm later led and rebranded by USDA alum Randy Russell.
FGS, formed by the 2021 merger of Finsbury Glover Hering and Sard Verbinnen, has also bought Memetica, Tarplin Downs & Young and Rich Feuer Anderson, helping build a 1,600-person firm across 31 offices.
Joel Johnson, who leads FGS government affairs, said the firm is still pursuing acquisitions across K Street sectors including tech, geopolitics and energy.