Founded in 2007 by Kevin Moran, IMS Marketing stands as a premier Irish B2B marketing agency, renowned for its strategic insight, creative design, and comprehensive digital marketing services. Specializing in assisting B2B technology clients with domestic and international expansion, IMS Marketing’s core services span graphic design, web development, branding, and go-to-market strategies. With a streamlined business model and a senior management team endowed with extensive tenure and experience, IMS has distinguished itself as a leader in the European market.

Inside the Enterprise: Who Is IMS Marketing?

IMS Marketing’s approach integrates deep market analysis with creative and strategic marketing solutions, allowing them to deliver tailored plans that drive success in diverse international markets. This unique combination of strategic insight, creative design, and a client-centric focus on generating tangible results, especially for companies in Medtech, Software, and Manufacturing Technologies, underscores their position as a pivotal partner for businesses looking to navigate the complexities of global market landscapes.

Founder’s Motive: The Why Behind the Sale

Kevin Moran, driven by a goal-oriented vision, sought to exit IMS Marketing by the age of 50, transitioning to a new chapter after years of dedication to building the agency. While Kevin found fulfillment in growing the business and nurturing his team, he aimed for an exit that would ensure continued opportunities for his staff and enhance the range of services available to their clients. His partnership with Merge was motivated by the desire to secure a strategic buyer aligned with his timeline and values, willing to uphold the agency’s legacy of excellence.

Founder’s Vision: Criteria for the Perfect Acquisition Fit

Kevin’s vision for the perfect acquisition was clear: a strategic partner that would not only preserve the agency’s ethos but also propel its international expansion and digital marketing capabilities. He emphasized the importance of a buyer committed to leveraging IMS’s strengths and fostering growth, ensuring a seamless transition that would benefit both the team and the clientele.

Setting the Stage: Preparing IMS Marketing for Acquisition

In preparation for sale, Merge undertook a thorough analysis of IMS Marketing’s financials, operations, and market positioning. This comprehensive evaluation was aimed at effectively showcasing the agency’s unique value proposition, highlighting its success in market entry strategies, creative services, and exclusive government contracts.

Attracting Suitors: Strategic Marketing of IMS Marketing for Acquisition

Merge’s strategic marketing efforts for IMS Marketing focused on its international expansion prowess, creative capabilities, and strong governmental partnerships. By presenting IMS’s distinctive strengths and potential for growth, Merge attracted a pool of potential buyers, aligning with Kevin’s objectives for a strategic and values-aligned acquisition.

Sealing the Deal: Perfect Matchmaking with the Ideal Buyer

The search for the ideal buyer culminated in the selection of LOCOMOTIVE, a North Carolina-based SEO and paid advertising specialist. This partnership was meticulously orchestrated by Merge, ensuring LOCOMOTIVE’s expertise and shared values aligned perfectly with IMS Marketing’s ambitions and service offerings.

Unlocking Synergies: Positive Impacts Post IMS Marketing Transaction

The strategic alignment between IMS Marketing and LOCOMOTIVE unlocked significant synergies, enhancing their combined service portfolio with complementary strengths in SEO, paid advertising, and creative marketing. This partnership is poised to empower businesses worldwide, facilitating their international expansion with a holistic approach to digital marketing.

Finding a New Home: The Merge Difference

Merge’s advisory role was pivotal in realizing Kevin Moran’s vision for IMS Marketing, facilitating a seamless acquisition process that aligned with his timeline, safeguarded the agency’s ethos, and secured a future of growth and innovation under LOCOMOTIVE’s stewardship. This partnership exemplifies Merge’s commitment to matching unique agencies with ideal buyers, ensuring a prosperous continuation of their legacies.