Over $10M

SCS stands as a paragon of innovation and strategic growth. James Schiefer, who, with visionary leadership and a forward-thinking approach, steered the agency towards new horizons of success. From strategic acquisitions to cultivating a unique brand ethos, SCS’s story is a testament to the power of visionary leadership and strategic partnerships in sculpting the future of a creative enterprise.

James Schiefer, who joined SCS in 2001 and became the sole owner in 2005, was motivated to elevate SCS to a top-tier agency in the brand transformation sector. His vision was to partner with an entity that could help realize this ambition. He sought to enhance the agency’s service portfolio and employee skill set through acquisitions, thereby scaling SCS to new heights.

James envisioned a partnership with a buyer who not only shared SCS’s capabilities but also aligned with his long-term strategic growth plans. He aimed to continue the agency’s expansion through a portfolio strategy, emphasizing a blend of skilled management, diverse revenue streams, and a strong client base.

Under James’s leadership, SCS was groomed for acquisition. The agency boasted a comprehensive suite of services, a robust list of notable clients, and a diversified and experienced management team. This preparation was key to making SCS an attractive acquisition prospect.

In his quest for the ideal buyer, James engaged with Merge, a firm specializing in finding suitable acquisition partners. The goal was to find a buyer that would not only offer the necessary financial backing but also align with SCS’s culture and strategic vision.

PopReach, a Canada-based publicly traded multi-platform technology company, emerged as the ideal buyer for SCS. Their focus on expanding their portfolio through acquisitions and optimizing companies within the digital media ecosystem made them a perfect match for SCS’s future growth and strategic plans.

The acquisition by PopReach offered significant synergies, enhancing SCS’s ability to scale and grow. James’s vision of long-term strategy and cultural alignment was acknowledged and encouraged by PopReach, promising a fruitful collaboration post-acquisition.

The successful partnership and acquisition by PopReach was facilitated by Merge, which played a crucial role in identifying and securing a buyer that resonated with SCS’s unique culture and strategic objectives. Merge’s expertise in M&A was instrumental in this successful transition, ensuring a perfect fit for both parties.

TrendyMinds stands out because of their ability to create holistic marketing solutions across a wide spectrum of services including film, marketing, and web, coupled with their knack for fostering long-term relationships with large global brands. Their nimble methodology and comprehensive service offerings enable them to deliver life-changing work that genuinely improves people’s lives, marking them as a unique player in the field.

After 25 years of organically growing TrendyMinds without outside funding, Trevor sought a partner to provide the additional resources and support needed to accelerate the agency’s expansion beyond Indiana. His goal was to supercharge the agency’s growth while ensuring a significant cash consideration at closing and retaining equity in the purchasing entity to share in the future success.

Trevor envisioned a buyer with the right mix of experience, resources, and industry connections to elevate TrendyMinds to a global scale, enhancing its impact in improving lives through creative work. He aimed for a partner significantly larger than TrendyMinds, ideally a $100M+ agency or a private equity group with extensive holdings in healthcare, pharmaceutical, and tech industries, who would appreciate the agency’s culture and drive growth at scale.

TrendyMinds readied for acquisition with a strategic focus on expanding its robust service offerings and capitalizing on opportunities for growth. This included plans to venture into new regions, adopt advanced technologies like SaaS tools and machine learning, and scale service offerings to meet the evolving needs of their large enterprise clients.

Armed with a deep understanding of TrendyMinds’ unique value proposition, financials, and market potential, we crafted compelling marketing materials to showcase the agency’s strengths. By leveraging our vast network of strategic buyers, we positioned TrendyMinds attractively to potential partners, emphasizing its growth opportunities and solid client relationships.

Our search for the perfect buyer culminated in finding Contour Ridge, a diverse private equity manager aligned with TrendyMinds’ culture and growth aspirations. Contour Ridge stood out for its commitment to supporting founder-led businesses and its ability to provide the operational resources and capital necessary for TrendyMinds’ next growth phase.

The partnership between TrendyMinds and Contour Ridge unlocked new growth avenues, providing the agency with the financial and strategic resources to scale its operations, enter new markets, and enhance its service offerings. This synergy promised to catalyze TrendyMinds’ growth, reinforcing its position in the market and expanding its impact on clients’ lives.

Merge’s unique approach to M&A, combining industry specialization with a personalized and efficient process, was instrumental in identifying and securing a buyer that matched all of Trevor’s criteria. This partnership not only met his financial and strategic objectives but also ensured that TrendyMinds found a new home where its culture, vision, and growth potential would be nurtured and celebrated.

GLC sets itself apart in the agency space with its unparalleled commitment to marrying content creation with strategic insight, particularly within the healthcare and associations sectors. Their approach goes beyond mere storytelling; they intricately weave narratives that resonate deeply with target audiences, driving engagement and fostering brand loyalty. This dedication to crafting tailored content strategies that align with specific business and marketing goals makes GLC a vital partner for brands looking to elevate their market presence through compelling narratives.

The decision to find a buyer for GLC was driven by the recognition of the agency’s solid foundation and its readiness for the next level of growth. The leadership saw the potential for massive expansion beyond their current achievements, with a focus on diversifying their digital services and industry specializations. Selling GLC was about unlocking the agency’s untapped potential and ensuring its future in an evolving marketplace.

The ideal buyer for GLC was envisioned as a strategic partner who not only recognized the agency’s niche expertise and value but was also prepared to invest in its growth potential. The founder sought a buyer with an existing foothold in healthcare and associations or one capable of leveraging GLC’s strengths to enhance their mid-market client offerings. This strategic alignment was crucial for a seamless integration and mutual success.

In preparation for acquisition, GLC showcased its impressive track record of high profits, long-term client relationships, and a robust, recurring revenue model. By highlighting its award-winning portfolio, efficient operational processes, and seasoned team, GLC was positioned as an attractive investment with significant growth opportunities in cross-selling and service expansion.

Merge’s expertise in M&A was instrumental in presenting GLC to the market, leveraging comprehensive financial evaluations and targeted marketing materials to highlight the agency’s value. Through a personalized approach and access to an extensive network of strategic buyers, Merge successfully identified SPM Marketing and Communications as the ideal partner, a leading agency in the healthcare sector, recognizing GLC’s unparalleled expertise in content marketing within the healthcare and association niches.

The acquisition of GLC by SPM Marketing and Communications has unleashed a wave of synergistic benefits, amplifying both agencies’ strengths in the healthcare sector. This strategic union has enabled GLC to leverage SPM’s broader service offerings and deeper industry connections, leading to enhanced content strategies and expanded digital service capabilities.

The journey of GLC’s acquisition by SPM Marketing and Communications, facilitated by Merge’s strategic expertise, exemplifies the essence of finding the perfect new home for a niche agency. Through careful alignment of values, goals, and market specializations, Merge has not only preserved GLC’s unique identity and strengths but also ensured its growth and success within the SPM family. This acquisition highlights how strategic partnerships, rooted in mutual respect and complementary capabilities, can unlock new levels of innovation and service excellence in the healthcare marketing arena.