The Kelsey Group announced today it is now a division of BIA Advisory Services LLC, a newly formed subsidiary of BIA Financial Network (BIAfn).

Financial terms weren’t disclosed.

TKG provides research and consulting services to directory companies and local media, and also hosts several conferences yearly.

Neal Polachek continues on as CEO of The Kelsey Group and EVP of BIA Advisory services, reporting to BIAfn’s COO Mark Giannini and CEO Tom Buono.

“Like many transactions, this one has been in the works for some time and as a result, I have been able to get to know the leadership team at BIAfn and appreciate the remarkable similarities with The Kelsey Group,” Polachek said.

John Kelsey, who founded The Kelsey Group in 1986 with his wife Pam, will oversee conference planning and execution while continuing his role in client relations and business. BIA Advisory Services will retain The Kelsey Group’s current offices and personnel across the country.

“We were looking for a way to increase the value for our clients,” Kelsey said. “BIAfn has been a market leader in analyzing, interpreting and delivering superior insight into the local advertising arena. Importantly, their areas of expertise complement The Kelsey Group’s strength in directional media.”

Founded in the 1980s, BIA Financial Network privides appraisal and valuation information and M&A advice to media companies.