(01)EngagementOverview
Entrepreneurial buyer acquires Alison South Marketing Group for growth.
Established in 2010, Alison South Marketing Group has become a renowned agency specializing in branding, marketing strategy, and digital marketing. With its five offices across the Southeast region, the agency boasts a diverse client base in various industries, including healthcare, legal, financial, and technology, underpinned by a mission to integrate seamlessly with clients’ teams and achieve premier agency status through client success and satisfaction.
(Details)
- Engagement Sell-Side Representation
- Type Growth Investment
- Category Creative Content Development, Under $10M
- Buyer Type Entrepreneurial Buyer
- Deal Size Under $5M
- Services Valuation & Market Positioning, Buyer Targeting & Outreach, Offer & Negotiation Support, Due Diligence Management, Closing & Transition Support
(02)Inside TheEnterprise
Who Is Alison South Marketing Group?
Alison South Marketing Group has the ability to craft tailored branding and marketing strategies, coupled with their expertise in event implementation, has solidified their reputation as an essential partner for a diverse range of clients seeking impactful and innovative marketing solutions.
(03)Founder'sMotive
The Why Behind The Sale
Owners Mike Thomas and Kate Sanders, after years of organic and inorganic growth including acquisitions, were ready to elevate Alison South’s trajectory even further. They engaged with Merge to explore new opportunities and partnerships that could amplify the agency’s potential and ensure a smooth transition while upholding its core values and mission.
(04)Founder’s Vision
Criteria for the Perfect Acquisition Fit
Mike and Kate were seeking a partnership that would resonate with Alison South’s passion for marketing and commitment to client success. Their goal was to find a partner that would not only expand the agency’s reach and services but also strengthen its market position, driving Alison South towards becoming a multinational entity.
(05)Setting the Stage
Preparing Alison South Marketing Group for Acquisition
To prepare for the acquisition, Alison South and Merge highlighted the agency’s versatile skill set, strong regional presence, and comprehensive marketing services, showcasing its potential for further growth and expansion in the market.
(06)Attracting Suitors
Strategic Marketing of Alison South Marketing Group for Acquisition
Merge executed a strategic marketing plan to attract the right buyers, emphasizing Alison South’s multifaceted expertise, strong client relationships, and its successful track record, aligning with their ambition to become a global player in the marketing industry.
(07)Sealing the Deal
Perfect Matchmaking with the Ideal Buyer
The ideal match for Alison South Marketing Group came in the form of Webmyne, an agency specializing in digital marketing and turnkey solutions. Webmyne’s focus on driving organic traffic and enhancing growth aligned perfectly with Alison South’s vision for expansion and global presence.
(08)Unlocking Synergies
Positive Impacts Post-Transaction
The partnership with Webmyne opened new avenues for Alison South to broaden its service offerings, fortify its position in the marketing landscape, and transition towards becoming a global agency with comprehensive marketing and IT solutions.
(09)Finding a New Home
The Merge Difference
Merge’s role in this acquisition was critical in aligning Alison South Marketing Group with a buyer that matched both its strategic objectives and cultural ethos, ensuring a successful and synergistic merger that promises a bright future under the new partnership.