(01)EngagementOverview

Strategic buyer acquires The A Team for growth.

Founded in 1999, The A Team is a leading brand development, social media management, and content creation agency specializing in shopper marketing, sweepstakes management, and ecommerce for B2C brands. The agency has successfully partnered with well-known clients such as Under Armour, Merck, Weight Watchers, Sony Electronics, NBCUniversal, and VOSS Water. Recognized for its excellence in social media strategy and sweepstakes management, The A Team has a proven track record of delivering measurable results for clients. With a strong team of industry veterans and a client retention rate averaging five years, The A Team is now looking for a strategic partner to continue its growth and expand its service offerings to new clients.

(Details)

  • Engagement Sell-Side Representation
  • Type Full Sale
  • Category Digital Product & Web Development, SEO, Paid Media & Lead Generation
  • Buyer Type Strategic Acquirer
  • 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 The A Team?

The A Team is a highly specialized agency that excels in brand strategy, social media management, and experiential marketing. Known for its expertise in sweepstakes management and creative digital campaigns, the agency has helped clients generate awareness, engage their target audience, and drive sales through innovative social media strategies and immersive brand experiences. The A Team’s unique niche, strong client relationships, and proven ability to execute successful sweepstakes campaigns have positioned it as a national leader in the marketing industry. Their client base includes large-scale Fortune 500 companies, SMBs, and everything in between.

(03)Founder'sMotive

The Why Behind The Sale

The founder of The A Team, a 30-year veteran in the marketing space, is seeking a strategic partner to help scale the agency’s operations while continuing to nurture the strong relationships it has built with top-tier clients. With a team of experienced professionals in place and a robust foundation for growth, the founder is looking for a partner who can provide the resources and leadership to take the agency to the next level. The founder is committed to ensuring a smooth transition, with plans to remain involved and support the team post-sale.

(04)Founder’s Vision

Criteria for the Perfect Acquisition Fit

For The A Team, the ideal buyer is an agency or firm with the ability to scale their existing offerings and expand into new markets. The perfect fit is a buyer with a proven track record in scaling creative agencies, particularly in the realm of social media and experiential marketing. The buyer should value The A Team’s culture, client relationships, and creative autonomy, ensuring that the team remains aligned with the agency’s vision. The ideal partner would also be able to introduce additional resources to help further develop The A Team’s service offerings, particularly in areas like influencer marketing, experiential activations, and digital strategy.

(05)Setting the Stage

Preparing The A Team for Acquisition

To prepare The A Team for acquisition, Merge highlighted the agency’s impressive financials, long-standing client relationships, and industry recognition. With a high profit margin and a reputation for delivering results, The A Team was positioned as an attractive acquisition target for buyers looking to expand their service offerings in social media, experiential marketing, and sweepstakes management. Merge also emphasized the scalability of the agency’s business model, which includes a blend of project-based and retainer revenue, making it an appealing asset for strategic buyers looking for long-term growth opportunities.

(06)Attracting Suitors

Strategic Marketing of The A Team for Acquisition

Merge positioned The A Team as an award-winning agency with deep expertise in social media strategy, brand development, and experiential marketing. By showcasing The A Team’s client list, industry recognition, and ability to execute highly successful sweepstakes and brand activations, Merge attracted several buyers interested in acquiring a leading agency in the marketing space. The agency’s potential for growth, particularly through cross-selling services to its existing clients, made it an appealing acquisition opportunity for buyers looking to expand their marketing capabilities.

(07)Sealing the Deal

Perfect Matchmaking with the Ideal Buyer

The acquisition of The A Team by Brandmovers was a strategic match benefiting both organizations. Brandmovers, a leader in digital engagement and loyalty marketing, recognized the value of The A Team’s specialized expertise in sweepstakes management, social media strategy, and experiential marketing. By acquiring The A Team, Brandmovers expanded its capabilities, leveraging the agency’s strong client relationships and proven track record in executing impactful campaigns. The seamless cultural alignment enabled a smooth transition, setting the stage for continued growth and expanded service offerings.

(08)Unlocking Synergies

Positive Impacts Post-Transaction

Since the acquisition, The A Team has successfully leveraged Brandmovers resources to scale operations and expand its service offerings. By tapping into the buyer’s broader network and resources, The A Team has been able to enhance its service capabilities, expand into new markets, and increase client acquisition. The integration of  Brandmovers sales infrastructure has already resulted in a more streamlined client acquisition process and an increase in business development opportunities. The A Team’s deep expertise in experiential marketing and sweepstakes management has allowed it to continue delivering exceptional results for its clients while capitalizing on the expanded capabilities of its new partner.

(09)Finding a New Home

The Merge Difference

Merge played a pivotal role in identifying the right buyer for The A Team. Through expert matchmaking, negotiation, and strategic guidance, Merge facilitated a smooth acquisition process that aligned both parties’ goals for growth. By positioning The A Team’s unique strengths and scalability, Merge helped secure a buyer who could continue building on the agency’s legacy and take it to new heights. The successful transaction underscores Merge’s ability to connect high-potential agencies with the right partners, ensuring long-term growth, value creation, and continued success.