Creative Content Development

With a robust international presence, Band of Insiders boasts five offices and a talented team of over 100 professionals spread across the globe, reinforcing their position as a leader in the marketing and communications field. Their expansive reach and collaborative spirit enable them to deliver bespoke strategies that cater to the unique needs of their diverse clientele. This global footprint not only amplifies their influence but also ensures that they remain at the forefront of industry trends, driving excellence and setting new standards in the realm of brand communication. Through their commitment to excellence and strategic acumen, Band of Insiders continues to shape the marketing landscape and achieve remarkable success for their clients worldwide.

Band of Insiders was seeking an agency with deep expertise in the influencer marketing space to integrate and expand their current portfolio. The objective was to enhance their capabilities and offer more comprehensive services to their clients, aligning with their vision of becoming a leading global agency. By incorporating such an agency, Band of Insiders aimed to strengthen their market position and provide a more robust set of offerings in the US market.

In their pursuit of the perfect acquisition, Band of Insiders aimed to find an agency that would enhance their portfolio, expand their footprint in the US, and integrate effortlessly with their existing team. They sought an agency with a stellar reputation and demonstrated expertise in influencer marketing, coupled with a size and culture that complemented their own. Achieving this strategic alignment was essential for ensuring a smooth transition and sustaining long-term success following the acquisition.

Band of Insiders had a history of successful acquisitions prior to their partnership with Merge. Unlike first-time buyers, they approached the transaction with a well-established strategy, leveraging their experience and working closely with advisors to ensure a smooth and effective process. This preparation involved detailed due diligence, clear communication plans, and a focus on aligning the cultures of both entities to facilitate a seamless transition.

Band of Insiders’ search for the ideal acquisition concluded with the discovery of RVD Communications, a distinguished boutique public relations agency known for its expertise in lifestyle, hospitality, and consumer brands. RVD Communications excels in crafting customized communication strategies designed to enhance brand visibility and engagement. Their comprehensive service offerings include media relations, event planning, influencer partnerships, and brand strategy. With a team of seasoned professionals, RVD Communications is dedicated to achieving impactful results and building lasting client relationships. Their personalized approach ensures that each brand’s unique story is compellingly communicated, driving both success and growth.

Band of Insiders and RVD Communications form an excellent match, with RVD’s expertise in influencer marketing and PR perfectly aligning with Band of Insiders’ vision to expand their US presence. RVD’s established reputation and strong market knowledge complement Band of Insiders’ strategic goals, creating a powerful platform for enhanced influence and market reach. The acquisition has thrived post-transaction, thanks to the strategic guidance of M&A experts Merge, who facilitated a seamless integration. This synergy has allowed both companies to leverage their strengths, resulting in enhanced service offerings, a broader client base, and increased market presence. The combined entity now benefits from improved resource allocation, a robust talent pool, and greater financial stability, positioning them for continued growth and a competitive edge in the industry.

Band of Insiders and RVD Communications form an excellent match, with RVD’s expertise in influencer marketing and PR perfectly aligning with Band of Insiders’ vision to expand their US presence. RVD’s established reputation and strong market knowledge complement Band of Insiders’ strategic goals, creating a powerful platform for enhanced influence and market reach. The acquisition has thrived post-transaction, thanks to the strategic guidance of M&A experts Merge, who facilitated a seamless integration. This synergy has allowed both companies to leverage their strengths, resulting in enhanced service offerings, a broader client base, and increased market presence. The combined entity now benefits from improved resource allocation, a robust talent pool, and greater financial stability, positioning them for continued growth and a competitive edge in the industry.

Rooted in New Orleans’ lively 8th Ward, FatHappy thrives as a creative hub, diversifying its video offerings from animations to broadcast spots and brand films. With a focus on serving clients in non-profit, healthcare, and higher education sectors, their steadfast pursuit of excellence has earned them partnerships with respected institutions like the Children’s Hospital of New Orleans and Tulane University.

With FatHappy’s commercial advertising business firmly established, Matthew and Amber wanted to shift gears towards their true passion: developing feature documentaries and narrative films. By selling FatHappy, they’re redirecting resources to seed their next creative adventure in cinematic storytelling. The sale represented their commitment to innovation and their vision of crafting compelling narratives that resonate deeply with audiences, marking a new chapter in their journey of creative exploration.

Amber and Matthew envisioned a space for their team to flourish within a broader ecosystem, enrich their resources and expand their audience reach. Acknowledging the importance of having a reputable partner in the production industry to elevate their endeavors, they actively pursued a well-known leader to guide their team towards greater accomplishments.

Before the sale, Merge conducted an extensive analysis of Fathappy’s financials, operational processes, and market status. The aim was to highlight Fathappy’s value proposition, which focuses on delivering premium content production for social sectors.

When marketing Fathappy, Merge emphasized the opportunities for growth, such as digital media planning & buying for comprehensive video marketing solutions. Despite initial growth via word-of-mouth referrals, Merge highlighted Fathappy’s strategy for outbound marketing and expanding its sales team. With a core team of 9 professionals serving as both producers and account executives, Fathappy ensures exceptional service and diverse expertise, reinforcing its stellar reputation through trusted client relationships and top-notch work.

Five to Sixty, known for crafting dynamic 5 to 60-second commercials and branded entertainment tailored to the digital landscape, is renowned for excellence and innovation in video production. Merge uncovered that Five to Sixty had a strategic vision to expand regionally and enrich their service offerings, allowing them to leverage FatHappy’s expertise in serving SMBs while sharing a commitment to exceptional work.

With Matthew and Amber taking on key roles, the integration is set to bring seamless teamwork, reinforcing FatHappy and Five to Sixty’s leadership in video production. Their involvement ensures a smooth transition, combining the strengths of both companies to deliver a higher caliber of content to clients. This move highlights Five to Sixty’s dedication to excellence and growth in the industry.

Merge facilitated the ideal pairing of FatHappy through upfront analysis and marketing expertise, guiding the process seamlessly at every stage. Conducting comprehensive financial analysis, we highlighted FatHappy’s growth potential; showcasing strengths and aligning interests. Our team championed Amber & Matthew into an exciting next chapter, capitalizing on growth prospects and broadening market presence.

Lens End Media stands out for its comprehensive approach to high-impact video production, crafting top-notch content, optimizing it across digital channels, and seamlessly integrating ads into impactful campaigns With clients spanning across Music, Sports, Nonprofit, Live Events, and Automotive industries, there isn’t a market they can’t succeed in. Utilizing state-of-the-art equipment and cutting-edge technology, including AI, they automate processes for both clients and team members. Specializing in video ad placement on Social Media and CTV, Lens End Media generates attention and results for their clientele.

Ibrahim saw an opportunity for both personal and professional advancement through a strategic divestment. With the recent arrival of his son, he felt a renewed motivation to seek out opportunities that would not only provide him with the chance to grow personally but also to expand his professional horizons. Joining a larger leadership team was on his radar, as he believed it could offer him the platform for substantial career development and the ability to provide enhanced services to his clients.

Ibrahim’s ideal buyer was one with a broader ecosystem and more robust infrastructure than Lens End currently possessed. Rather than merely seeking a buyer with existing production capabilities, Ibrahim envisioned a partner capable of leveraging Lens End’s expertise to enrich and elevate their own operations.

To prepare Lazarus Design Team for the market, Merge conducted a comprehensive analysis of the agency’s operations, financials, and client relationships. This thorough assessment aimed to present the agency in a compelling manner, highlighting its strengths and achievements. Merge worked closely with the founders to refine their narrative, helping them articulate their vision and what they sought in a buyer, ensuring that potential suitors understood the value of the agency.

When Lens End Media went up for sale, it was vital to showcase its remarkable growth in just four years. Ibrahim’s leadership established a reputation for excellence and innovation across various capabilities within the video production space. Merge worked to show buyers that between the company’s strong foundation, efficient procedures, and key client relationships, there was a solid platform for future scalability.

Merge found Lens End’s perfect buyer in BrandStar, a solutions-driven, vertically integrated production and marketing company. BrandStar’s decision to acquire Lens End Media was aimed at expanding its national footprint, particularly establishing a production presence in Washington, DC, and surrounding areas. The acquisition was fueled by BrandStar’s recognition of Lens End Media’s adept use of cutting-edge technology to optimize processes and achieve outstanding results. Under the continued leadership of CEO, Ibrahim Zafar, Lens End Media’s team continues to operate from its current location, ensuring continuity and expertise within the organization.

Following the acquisition, Lens End Media and BrandStar work collaboratively to deliver high-impact video content across their client base and established network. They capitalize on BrandStar’s expertise to launch fully-integrated marketing campaigns, tapping into BrandStar’s ecosystem of specialty agencies to enhance their offerings. This partnership ensures that they continue to provide cutting-edge solutions to their clients while expanding their capabilities in the ever-evolving landscape of media production and marketing.

Merge was instrumental in facilitating the acquisition of Lens End by BrandStar. Recognizing Ibrahim’s aspirations to elevate his service offerings by integrating into a larger ecosystem, Merge diligently sought out a buyer who not only comprehended his goals but also appreciated the unique value he could bring to the table. This understanding, coupled with Merge’s expertise in matching businesses with compatible partners, ensured a successful transition that aligned with Ibrahim’s vision for the future of Lens End within the broader BrandStar framework.

Beacons Point has become the go-to partner for B2B businesses seeking growth through connection, relationships, and trust. Specializing in content marketing, HubSpot consulting, and video production, the agency has established itself as a key player in creating growth through strategic and creative marketing solutions.

The three co-founders of Beacons Point, Ross Nelson, Brian Serocke, and Alex Meade, after a decade of nurturing and growing the agency, were ready to explore new professional avenues. Seeking to leverage their individual talents in senior leadership roles, they envisioned a future where they could transition away from ownership responsibilities while ensuring the agency’s continued growth and success.

The co-founders sought a buyer who could unlock Beacons Point’s full potential, offering growth opportunities for their skilled team. Their goal was to find a partner aligned with the agency’s values and capable of providing resources and pathways for team development and agency expansion.

In collaboration with Merge, the co-founders prepared Beacons Point for sale. Their focus was on highlighting the agency’s strengths, including its proven processes, high client retention rates, and stellar reviews, to attract the right buyer.

Merge’s expertise was pivotal in strategically marketing Beacons Point, drawing in potential buyers who could appreciate the unique value proposition of the agency and align with its culture and vision.

The ideal match for Beacons Point was found in 120over80, a Chicago-based digital marketing agency. Sharing synergies in culture, values, and client focus, both agencies were committed to impactful client service, making this union a strategic fit.

The merger of Beacons Point and 120over80 led to the creation of Behind the Work, a new agency with a diverse range of expertise, uniquely positioned to serve clients with enhanced capabilities. This synergy unlocked new growth avenues for the team and the combined agency.

Merge played a crucial role in facilitating this successful acquisition, ensuring that the merger not only aligned with financial and strategic goals but also fostered a culture where the combined strengths of both agencies could flourish, paving the way for a promising future for Behind the Work.

The agency has carved out a niche in website development, branding, and various digital and print marketing services, building a reputation for excellence and a stable client base with an 80% repeat rate. P11’s exceptional approach and dedicated team have solidified its stature as a leader in specialized marketing solutions.

Lance Huante, the founder of P11, after three decades of nurturing and growing the agency, was ready to partner with someone who could help scale the business. His vision was to expand the client roster and leverage his team’s deep industry knowledge to create new growth opportunities.

Lance sought a partner who could bring new perspectives and innovation to P11, enhancing the agency’s capabilities and reach. He envisioned a partner with a deep understanding of the real estate marketing space to appreciate the impact of his team’s work on client strategies.

Lance prepared P11 for acquisition with the goal of scaling the business and expanding its market presence. This preparation involved highlighting the agency’s specialized industry niche, deep reputation, and highly tenured team.

Lance engaged with various potential buyers, ranging from digital marketing agencies to traditional financial buyers, keeping an open mind throughout the process to find the best cultural and strategic fit for P11.

Bhavin Patel emerged as the ideal buyer – a blend of a strategic partner with a credible financial background and a passion for real estate. His insights into the digital marketing space and his desire to grow a business with a strong creative and consistent industry focus made him the perfect fit.

The partnership between Lance and Bhavin promised new growth avenues for P11, blending Bhavin’s financial acumen and industry insights with the creative strengths of P11’s team, setting the stage for a new era of success and innovation.

Merge played a crucial role in this acquisition, expertly facilitating the match between Lance’s vision for P11 and Bhavin’s strategic and financial expertise, ensuring a smooth transition and a promising future for the agency under this new partnership.