NEW YORK, July 2, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — Frederic W. Cook & Co., Inc., a leading consulting firm to corporate boards of directors and top management on executive compensation, announced today it has acquired Cogent Compensation Partners of Houston and that the Cogent team will become Cook’s new Houston office.

Houston will be Cook’s seventh office, joining those in New York City, Tarrytown, NY, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Atlanta.

George Paulin, Cook’s chairman and chief executive officer, said Steve Cross, who founded Cogent in 2007, will lead the Houston office and will serve as a Managing Director of Cook and a member of the firm’s Board of Directors.

“Steve brings more than 20 years of experience advising many of the largest and most complex U.S. companies, and he has earned a reputation for professionalism and integrity,” Paulin said. “We are fortunate and proud to welcome him and his team.”

Cross said, “Cook is the pre-eminent firm helping companies develop financial reward programs for executives that align the interests of participants and shareholders. It possesses deep knowledge and understanding of the issues facing board compensation committees in today’s complex governance environment. The opportunity to join Cook speaks highly of the great work our people have done, and we look forward to helping Cook continue its distinguished record of service.”

Frederic W. Cook & Co., Inc. has operated since 1973 and served over 2,700 clients, currently including 40 of the S&P 100 where it has ongoing relationships as advisors to their board compensation committees and senior management.

SOURCE Frederic W. Cook & Co., Inc.