(01)EngagementOverview
Strategic buyer acquires DECODE for growth.
Founded in 2013, DECODE is a specialized digital marketing agency with a focus on the healthcare and wellness industries. Based in Houston, Texas, DECODE has earned a strong reputation for delivering high-performance marketing solutions for SMBs and middle-market enterprises. The agency is deeply rooted in understanding the consumer wellness journey, which has been key to their ability to create effective marketing campaigns that resonate with the target audience.
DECODE has built long-term relationships with its clients, including a notable partnership with its largest client since its inception. With a strong team of 53 members, DECODE combines its expertise in digital media, strategy, creative, and technology to deliver integrated campaigns that drive measurable results. The agency has grown rapidly and is now seeking a strategic partner to help fuel its national expansion
(Details)
- Engagement Sell-Side Representation
- Type Full Sale
- Category Marketing & Advertising, Social Media, Digital Product & Web Development, SEO, Paid Media & Lead Generation, Over $10M, Content Marketing, Performance Marketing, Professional Services, Technology & IT Services
- Buyer Type Private Equity
- Deal Size $10M-$25M
- Services Valuation & Market Positioning, Buyer Targeting & Outreach, Offer & Negotiation Support, Due Diligence Management, Closing & Transition Support
(02)Inside TheEnterprise
Who Is DECODE ?
DECODE operates with a clear focus on the healthcare and wellness industries, offering a range of services from digital media buying to website development, SEO, content creation, and social media strategy. The agency is especially skilled in creating and executing omni-channel marketing campaigns, ensuring that each campaign is integrated across both traditional and digital media. DECODE has a strong in-house development team, which allows them to build customized solutions for clients and marry marketing expertise with technology.
Their deep understanding of the wellness journey, especially within the medical field, allows them to craft advertising programs that guide potential patients from consideration to conversion. The agency is equipped with a full tech stack for paid search, social media, and programmatic media buying, providing clients with greater transparency, flexibility, and cost efficiency.
(03)Founder'sMotive
The Why Behind The Sale
The founder of DECODE is seeking an acquisition partner to accelerate the agency’s growth and transition from a regional agency to a national powerhouse. With the infrastructure already in place for expansion, DECODE’s leadership team is eager to scale, tapping into new markets and clients within the health and wellness space. The founder is committed to staying on board post-acquisition and believes that an infusion of outside capital and expertise will allow DECODE to realize its full potential.
(04)Founder’s Vision
Criteria for the Perfect Acquisition Fit
The ideal buyer for DECODE is a firm with expertise in scaling agencies and a background in the healthcare and wellness industries. The buyer should have the resources to expand DECODE’s national reach and the capacity to help drive growth in new markets such as plastic surgery, dentistry, vitamins, and insurance. Additionally, the buyer should value DECODE’s strong creative and strategic foundation, and be committed to supporting the agency’s continued success by maintaining the team’s focus on delivering high-quality campaigns.
(05)Setting the Stage
Preparing DECODE for Acquisition
Merge positioned DECODE as a high-growth, high-margin agency with a proven track record in the healthcare and wellness sectors. The agency’s deep industry knowledge, strong client relationships, and ability to scale made it an attractive target for acquisition. With 45% of revenue coming from retainer clients, DECODE offers a stable, recurring revenue stream, which enhances its appeal to potential buyers.
(06)Attracting Suitors
Strategic Marketing of DECODE for Acquisition
Merge marketed DECODE as an agency with a unique expertise in healthcare and wellness marketing, showcasing its success in delivering top-tier campaigns for high-profile clients in the medical and wellness industries. By emphasizing the agency’s digital media expertise, strong leadership team, and proven ability to scale, Merge attracted several interested buyers looking to expand into the healthcare sector.
(07)Sealing the Deal
Perfect Matchmaking with the Ideal Buyer
DECODE was successfully acquired by Amulet Capital Partners, a buyer with the experience and resources to help the agency scale its operations nationally. Amulet Capital Partners recognized DECODE’s deep industry expertise and ability to deliver high-quality marketing campaigns in the healthcare and wellness sectors. Post-acquisition, Amulet has begun investing in DECODE’s expansion, positioning the agency for accelerated growth.
(08)Unlocking Synergies
Positive Impacts Post-Transaction
After the acquisition, DECODE expanded its service offerings and grew its client base across the U.S. With the support of Amulet Capital Partners, the agency has increased its national footprint and pursued new business opportunities in key wellness markets. The acquisition has created synergies that strengthen DECODE’s position as a premier marketing agency in the healthcare and wellness space.
(09)Finding a New Home
The Merge Difference
Merge played a key role in facilitating the acquisition of DECODE by Amulet Capital Partners, ensuring alignment on growth objectives. Through expert matchmaking and strategic guidance, Merge positioned DECODE for a successful acquisition, enabling the agency to scale quickly and reach its full potential. This acquisition underscores Merge’s expertise in connecting high-potential agencies with the right partners for long-term success.