SMA ✳︎

SMA operates as a fully integrated marketing partner, supporting clients through brand development, creative campaign strategy, video and film production, digital and social content, business consulting, and media planning and buying. The agency’s model is rooted in close collaboration, with strategy, creative, production, and media working together to solve complex business challenges. Its hybrid workforce and scalable freelance network allowed SMA to remain agile while maintaining a high standard of delivery across every engagement.

President and primary shareholder Bob Rose spent more than a decade growing SMA into a respected agency with deep client relationships and a strong reputation in the B2B space. As the market evolved and the agency navigated periods of change, Bob began exploring what the next chapter could look like for the business. While SMA remained anchored by a long-standing agency-of-record relationship with BDO, Bob recognized the opportunity to partner with a buyer who could bring new momentum, expanded resources, and a broader platform for growth.

For Bob, the right buyer needed to understand the value of integrated marketing, long-term client partnerships, and a hands-on, collaborative culture. It was important that SMA’s people, processes, and client relationships were respected and preserved. The ideal partner would bring operational scale and business development support while allowing SMA’s leadership and creative teams to continue delivering work with the same care and strategic depth.

To prepare SMA for market, Merge highlighted the agency’s long-standing anchor client relationship, its award-winning portfolio, and its ability to embed deeply within client organizations. The business was positioned as a well-established agency with a resilient revenue model built on retainers, media commissions, and production margins. Its lean structure, experienced leadership, and scalable delivery model made SMA an attractive platform for a strategic buyer seeking both stability and growth potential.

Merge marketed SMA as a trusted creative and media partner with proven expertise in high-touch B2B engagements. Buyers were drawn to the agency’s collaborative approach, senior leadership involvement, and reputation for delivering thoughtful, results-driven work. Although the business had experienced client concentration and revenue shifts in recent years, its strong foundation and long-term client relationships signaled meaningful opportunity for expansion under the right ownership.

SMA was acquired by Bray & Co, a strategic buyer aligned with SMA’s integrated service model and client-first philosophy. The partnership created continuity for SMA’s clients and team while opening the door to new operational support, business development capabilities, and long-term growth within a larger platform.

Following the acquisition, SMA became part of a broader organization positioned to support expansion, diversification, and collaboration. With additional infrastructure and resources behind it, the agency is now better equipped to grow its client base, expand service offerings, and deepen existing relationships while maintaining the culture and creative standards that defined its success.

Merge guided SMA through a founder-first acquisition process focused on alignment, continuity, and long-term opportunity. Through thoughtful positioning, targeted buyer outreach, and hands-on transaction support, Merge helped place SMA with a partner that honors its legacy and supports its next chapter of growth with Bray & Co.