SFX Entertainment has acquired SME Power Branding, a leading sports brand identity company based in New York. Formerly Sean Michael Edwards Design, Inc., SME was founded in 1988 by partners Ed O'Hara and Greg Economou.

Now in the midst of a prolonged acquisition program, SFX develops and manages touring Broadway shows, and sells Broadway subscription series and individual productions in 55 markets. An integrated franchise that promotes and produces a broad variety of live entertainment events locally, regionally and nationally, SFX has 120 venues overall, and owns or operates venues in 31 of the top 50 domestic markets.

Like other companies recently acquired by SFX, SME will now work within the SFX Sports Group. SFX said the acquisition adds a "creative and image defining component to services that SFX offers its sponsors and clients."

Known for going beyond traditional graphic and corporate design, SME offers consultation in brand architecture (strategies, positioning, name generation, consumer research), brand identity (development of marks and logos), brand enhancement (uniform merchandising, package design, mascot development, collateral systems, new media design and programming, interactive design, environmental design, advertising) and brand management (graphic standards, brand integration consultation.)

SFX plans for SME to benefit clients who wish to reach their target segments through music, theatre and family entertainment as well. The company's roster already includes the NBA, NFL, Major League Baseball and NHL, World Championship Wrestling, National Hot Rod Association, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Madison Square Garden, PGA of America, Turner Sports, Women's Tennis Association, Kentucky Derby and Coca-Cola. SME has also worked with top college and university athletic programs, according to SFX. -- By Murdoch McBride