Paid Media & Lead Generation

The Anderson Group operates as an outsourced marketing department for its clients, delivering a comprehensive suite of services that range from brand strategy and content creation to digital and traditional marketing execution. With a strong foothold in B2B industries, TAG’s approach is deeply rooted in understanding client business needs and providing customized solutions that align with their strategic goals. The agency’s long-standing relationships with clients, many of whom have been with TAG for decades, reflect the trust and value it consistently delivers.

After successfully operating for over 30 years, The Anderson Group sought a transition that would provide long-term stability for its employees and clients while allowing its leadership to step back from the day-to-day operations. The agency had reached a pivotal moment where additional resources and expanded capabilities were necessary to continue scaling. Rather than pursuing independent growth, the owners saw an opportunity to integrate with a like-minded firm that could offer infrastructure, support, and growth opportunities for the team. Beyond financial considerations, TAG prioritized finding a buyer that aligned with its company culture—one that valued creativity, integrity, and strong client relationships.

The Anderson Group’s leadership was focused on ensuring that the agency’s legacy, high standards of service, and collaborative team environment remained intact. The ideal buyer needed to share TAG’s commitment to a people-first, client-centric culture while providing additional resources to enhance operational efficiency and service capabilities. A strategic partner that could seamlessly integrate TAG’s experienced team and client relationships into its broader organization was key to a successful transition.

To prepare for acquisition, Merge emphasized TAG’s stability, experienced team, and strong financial performance. Each team member had been with the agency for six or more years, demonstrating loyalty and institutional knowledge. TAG’s leadership structured the agency for a smooth transition by ensuring clear operational processes, client relationship management strategies, and a track record of delivering high-quality marketing solutions. With recurring revenue making up 40% of income and project-based work accounting for 60%, TAG was positioned as a sustainable and scalable business.

Merge positioned TAG as a well-established marketing agency with a strong B2B client base and a talented, long-tenured team. The agency’s proven success in strategic marketing and communications made it an attractive acquisition target for firms looking to expand their service offerings. Merge’s targeted outreach focused on connecting TAG with potential buyers that valued strategic growth and shared its commitment to high-quality execution and client relationships.

Honestly, a rapidly growing marketing firm, was actively seeking to expand its service offerings and enhance its ability to serve larger, high-profile clients. TAG’s well-established reputation, experienced team, and complementary service offerings made it an ideal fit for Honestly’s growth strategy. Honestly recognized the value of TAG’s stability and institutional knowledge, ensuring a seamless transition while accelerating its own expansion. The cultural and strategic alignment between the two firms created the foundation for a successful acquisition.

With Honestly’s backing, The Anderson Group is now poised for long-term growth and operational efficiency. The acquisition has allowed Honestly to integrate a highly skilled team and expand its client base while maintaining the high-quality service TAG is known for. The combined expertise of both firms has resulted in enhanced capabilities, stronger client offerings, and a seamless transition for employees and customers alike. By leveraging Honestly’s resources, TAG is well-positioned to continue its success in the evolving marketing landscape.

Merge played a critical role in aligning The Anderson Group with the right strategic buyer. Through expert positioning, targeted outreach, and meticulous deal structuring, Merge ensured that TAG’s leadership, employees, and clients found a seamless transition into a growth-focused organization. By facilitating a well-matched acquisition, Merge helped ensure that TAG’s legacy remains intact while enabling both the seller and buyer to achieve their long-term goals. The successful transaction highlights Merge’s ability to connect established agencies with buyers who can enhance their growth and stability, ensuring a win-win outcome for all stakeholders.

Ignite Marketing is recognized as a powerhouse in hospitality marketing, offering a fully integrated suite of services tailored to the unique needs of restaurants, hotels, and leisure brands. The agency’s expertise in crafting award-winning websites, executing high-ROI paid media campaigns, and implementing cutting-edge social media strategies has cemented its position as a trusted partner for industry leaders. Ignite’s portfolio includes collaborations with brands such as Marriott International, D&D London, Puttshack, and Smith & Wollensky, showcasing its ability to deliver results-driven marketing solutions. With a team of 50 seasoned professionals, the agency has maintained long-standing client relationships, with an average tenure exceeding four years.

After two decades of organic growth and consistent profitability, Paul West, the founder of Ignite Marketing, recognized an opportunity to take the agency to the next level. He was looking for a strategic partner who could support Ignite’s expansion into the US while preserving its strong UK presence.His vision post-sale included contributing to Ignite’s continued growth through thought leadership, industry publications, and strategic support. Paul was particularly interested in collaborating with a buyer who valued Ignite’s legacy and could provide operational infrastructure to accelerate its global expansion.

For Ignite, finding the right acquisition partner was about more than just financials. Paul West sought a buyer who could align with the agency’s core values and long-term vision. The ideal partner needed to have a strong presence in the hospitality marketing space, a commitment to high-quality service, and the ability to provide the operational and strategic support necessary for Ignite’s next growth phase. Maintaining the agency’s culture and ensuring opportunities for the team post-acquisition were critical factors in selecting the right buyer. Paul also wanted a partner who would appreciate the unique value of Ignite’s proprietary Fuse e-commerce platform, recognizing its potential to drive substantial growth in the US market.

To position Ignite as an attractive acquisition target, Merge highlighted the agency’s strong financials, extensive client portfolio, and strategic growth potential. Ignite’s profitability, with a 24% profit margin and 70% of revenue coming from long-term retainers, demonstrated the agency’s financial stability. The agency’s well-established leadership team and its innovative approach to hospitality marketing further reinforced its value. Merge also emphasized Ignite’s proprietary technology, Fuse, as a scalable solution with untapped revenue opportunities, making it an appealing asset for potential buyers.

Merge positioned Ignite as a high-growth, technology-enabled hospitality marketing agency with a strong track record of success. By showcasing its impressive client list, scalable revenue model, and deep industry expertise, Merge attracted multiple buyers interested in expanding their footprint in the hospitality sector. Screen Pilot, a leading US-based agency specializing in hospitality marketing, emerged as the ideal buyer. The acquisition provided Screen Pilot with an opportunity to gain a foothold in the UK market while enhancing its service offerings with Ignite’s expertise in branding, paid media, and CRM solutions.

The acquisition of Ignite Marketing by Screen Pilot was a strategic move that benefited both parties. Screen Pilot sought to strengthen its presence in the hospitality sector, and Ignite’s established reputation in the UK provided an immediate pathway to expansion. The deal enabled Screen Pilot to access Ignite’s blue-chip client base and talented team while leveraging Paul West’s industry expertise in a non-executive role. For Paul, the acquisition offered financial security while allowing him to stay involved in shaping Ignite’s future. The cultural and strategic alignment between the two agencies made the transition seamless, ensuring continuity for clients and employees.

Since the acquisition, Ignite and Screen Pilot have successfully integrated their expertise to drive new business opportunities and expand their market presence. The combined entity has been able to scale operations, enhance service offerings, and strengthen relationships with major hospitality brands. Ignite’s proprietary Fuse platform has gained further traction in the US market, contributing to overall revenue growth. The acquisition has also paved the way for a potential second exit in the future, maximizing long-term value for both parties. With a shared commitment to innovation and excellence in hospitality marketing, Ignite and Screen Pilot have positioned themselves as industry leaders on a global scale.

Merge played a crucial role in identifying the right buyer for Ignite Marketing, ensuring a smooth and strategic transition. By carefully positioning Ignite’s strengths, negotiating favorable deal terms, and facilitating the acquisition process, Merge helped create a partnership that aligned with both parties’ goals. The successful transaction highlights Merge’s expertise in connecting high-growth agencies with the right buyers, enabling long-term growth and value creation. Through this acquisition, Ignite found a new home where it could scale effectively while preserving its unique strengths and market position.

MoreSALES provides a full suite of marketing services designed to help B2B clients improve their digital presence and drive lead generation. As a Platinum Partner of Constant Contact , the agency optimizes CRM and marketing automation for better customer engagement. With a client roster primarily based in Ontario and an average client tenure of four years, MoreSALES has demonstrated consistent value and effectiveness in the market. The agency’s expertise spans email marketing, SEM/SEO, website development, social media management, and branding, making it a one-stop shop for companies looking to enhance their digital marketing strategy.

Michael Jennings, founder of MoreSALES, was ready to transition out of daily operations. While still passionate about client relationships and strategic marketing, he wanted to shift his focus to Fractional CMO work, supporting key clients, and contributing to the agency’s growth under new ownership. His goal was to ensure a smooth transition while allowing the agency to expand into new markets and methodologies. Michael remained committed throughout the transition process, eager to explore new opportunities and ensure service continuity for MoreSALES’ clients.

For Michael, the ideal buyer was one that could leverage MoreSALES’ expertise while providing the resources and infrastructure necessary for future growth. He sought a partner with a strong digital marketing presence, a client-focused culture, and a commitment to scaling the business in Canada and beyond. Ensuring the retention of MoreSALES’ team and maintaining its reputation for high-quality service were top priorities in the acquisition process.

To position MoreSALES for a successful acquisition, Merge highlighted the agency’s strong financials, structured client retention model, and scalable team. With 100% of revenue coming from retainer-based contracts, MoreSALES provided predictable cash flow and long-term client commitments. The agency’s remote team of nine showcased the agency’s optimization, with specialists in email marketing, SEM, branding, and website development ensuring seamless service delivery. These factors made MoreSALES an attractive acquisition target for the right strategic partner.

Merge positioned MoreSALES as a well-established, high-margin agency with strong client retention and proven expertise in B2B marketing. The agency’s specialization in manufacturing, industrial, and construction industries made it a prime target for buyers looking to strengthen their presence in these sectors. By highlighting its deep industry relationships, recurring revenue model, and scalable remote team, Merge attracted several interested buyers before identifying the right fit in Goose Digital.

Goose Digital, led by Michael Turcsanyi, was actively looking to expand its digital marketing services, particularly in email marketing, website development, and SEM. Acquiring MoreSALES provided an immediate opportunity to enhance these capabilities while establishing a stronger footprint in Canada. With aligned business goals and a shared vision for growth, Goose Digital and MoreSALES formed a strategic partnership that ensured a seamless transition. Michael Jennings’ willingness to stay on and support the transition further solidified the deal, allowing both teams to integrate smoothly and continue scaling their operations.

Under Goose Digital’s ownership, MoreSALES is positioned for accelerated growth, leveraging expanded resources and enhanced service offerings. The acquisition has provided MoreSALES with additional expertise, a broader client network, and increased operational efficiencies. The integration of both teams has resulted in improved service delivery and new opportunities for expansion in the U.S. market. With a strong leadership team in place and continued investment in marketing automation, MoreSALES is poised for sustained success under its new ownership.

Merge played a pivotal role in ensuring a successful acquisition by connecting MoreSALES with the right buyer. Through expert positioning, targeted outreach, and strategic negotiations, Merge facilitated a deal that aligned with both the seller’s transition goals and the buyer’s growth objectives. By prioritizing cultural fit, operational synergy, and long-term potential, Merge ensured a seamless transition that benefited the MoreSALES team, its clients, and its new ownership under Goose Digital. This acquisition underscores Merge’s ability to match high-performing agencies with buyers who can elevate their success and sustain their market leadership.

Good Joo Joo is a high-performing paid media agency that combines strategic ad management, technical tracking, and CRM automation to drive results for e-commerce brands and fitness studios. With a deep understanding of Meta’s ad ecosystem and HubSpot’s marketing automation tools, the agency excels at creating, optimizing, and scaling digital campaigns that maximize return on investment. Good Joo Joo’s ability to seamlessly integrate with client marketing teams ensures an efficient and results-driven approach, making it a go-to partner for enterprise brands looking for scalable digital marketing solutions.

After years of growing and scaling Good Joo Joo, the founder decided to step back from the day-to-day operations to focus on family. Running a high-demand agency requires constant involvement, and with a strong team in place, the founder saw an opportunity to transition the business to new leadership that could build on its success. By selling the agency, the founder aimed to ensure that clients continued to receive the exceptional service and results that Good Joo Joo is known for.

The ideal buyer for Good Joo Joo needed to be experienced in business operations and growth strategy, with the ability to sustain and expand the agency’s success. Given Good Joo Joo’s recurring revenue model and long-term client relationships, it was important that the buyer understood the value of stability and service continuity. The agency required a leader who could maintain its strong industry partnerships while exploring new opportunities for growth in e-commerce and paid media.

To position Good Joo Joo as an attractive acquisition, Merge conducted a thorough evaluation of its financials, client retention, and market position. The agency’s strong recurring revenue model, Meta and HubSpot certifications, and well-established operational processes were key highlights. Additionally, the leadership team was well-equipped to handle post-sale operations, ensuring a smooth transition. By showcasing Good Joo Joo’s profitability, scalability, and client success stories, the agency was presented as a high-value acquisition opportunity.

Merge positioned Good Joo Joo as a turnkey opportunity for entrepreneurs looking to acquire a profitable digital marketing agency. The agency’s SBA pre-approved status made it particularly attractive to buyers seeking financing options. With 95% of revenue coming from retainers, Good Joo Joo was marketed as a low-risk, high-reward investment in the digital advertising space. By emphasizing the growth potential, strong leadership team, and scalable service model, Merge attracted serious acquisition interest.

Good Joo Joo was acquired by Avance Management, a group focused on entrepreneurship through acquisition. Avance Management saw the value in Good Joo Joo’s established client base, operational structure, and strong financial performance.

Post-acquisition, Good Joo Joo remains well-positioned for growth. With new ownership bringing financial and operational expertise, the agency is set to expand its services, optimize internal processes, and explore additional revenue streams.

Merge played a key role in facilitating the acquisition, ensuring that Good Joo Joo was positioned as a valuable and scalable business. By leveraging its network of entrepreneurial buyers and SBA pre-approval process, Merge connected the agency with a buyer who could take it to the next level. Through strategic marketing, expert negotiation, and hands-on guidance, Merge helped secure a successful transition, allowing the founder to step back with confidence while ensuring Good Joo Joo’s continued success.

Snack Bar is a boutique design agency specializing in app store marketing, display and social ad design, in-app graphics, promo videos, and digital branding assets. With a team of creative professionals, Snack Bar has built a strong reputation within the enterprise tech and mobile app industries, offering high-quality, performance-driven visual content. The agency operates with a highly recurring revenue model, working seamlessly with clients as an extension of their creative teams. By blending strategic design with marketing expertise, Snack Bar helps businesses enhance their digital presence and drive measurable engagement.

After nearly a decade of growing and scaling Snack Bar, the founder realized it was time for a new chapter. With increasing client demand and a growing family, it became clear that the agency needed fresh leadership to unlock its full potential. Wanting to ensure the continued success of Snack Bar while also stepping back to explore new creative opportunities, the founder sought a transition that would allow the agency to thrive under new ownership while he took time to reset and potentially return to freelance design work.

The ideal acquisition for Snack Bar wasn’t just about finding a buyer—it was about finding the right leader to take the agency forward. The founder wanted someone who shared his passion for design, commitment to quality, and vision for continued growth. Cultural alignment was key, as well as ensuring the new owner could step into day-to-day operations without disrupting the agency’s established client relationships and creative processes.

To prepare Snack Bar for acquisition, the focus was on highlighting the agency’s strengths, including its recurring revenue model, strong industry reputation, and seamless client integration process. The leadership team worked to ensure that key processes were documented and that existing staff were positioned to support a smooth transition. By showcasing Snack Bar’s stability, growth potential, and unique market positioning, the agency became an attractive acquisition opportunity for the right buyer.

Merge strategically positioned Snack Bar to appeal to potential buyers who valued creative excellence and operational efficiency. By emphasizing its long-term client relationships, high retainer-based revenue, and expertise in digital marketing assets, the agency stood out as a high-value acquisition. The process targeted buyers looking for an established creative agency with a proven track record, ensuring that interest came from serious, well-aligned candidates.

The ideal buyer emerged in Brain Power, who had been looking for the right opportunity to take over operations at an agency. With strong financial backing and a shared vision for the future, Brain Power and the founder immediately connected, recognizing a strong cultural and strategic alignment. Their first meeting confirmed that they had the same approach to business, leadership, and creative execution, making it clear that this was the perfect fit to carry Snack Bar into its next phase.

Under new ownership, Snack Bar is positioned to continue its growth trajectory while maintaining the high-quality creative work that built its reputation. With fresh leadership and operational support, the agency can scale its offerings, expand client relationships, and refine internal processes. The transition has created new opportunities for both the agency and its team, ensuring continued success while preserving the creative integrity and client-first approach that made Snack Bar stand out.

Merge played a pivotal role in facilitating the acquisition of Snack Bar, ensuring a seamless transition for both the founder and the buyer. Through careful matchmaking, strategic positioning, and expert negotiation, Merge helped align the right people to make the deal a success. By focusing on cultural fit, operational continuity, and long-term growth potential, Merge ensured that Snack Bar found the perfect new home—one that would allow it to thrive under fresh leadership while honoring its legacy.

Founded by Ermis Sfakiyanudis, a seasoned entrepreneur with over two decades of experience launching and leading successful companies in competitive markets, Uproar PR is a leading agency known for its expertise in elevating brand profiles. Ermis’s visionary leadership and deep expertise in strategic communications, media relations, and digital marketing have been instrumental in the agency’s success. Uproar PR specializes in sectors such as consumer and B2B technology, fintech, health & fitness, and sports, offering tailored solutions to meet the unique needs of each industry. With an award-winning, fully remote team, Uproar PR excels in media placements, influencer engagement, content creation, and social media management, helping brands connect with their audiences and achieve measurable success.

Ermis decided to sell the agency in order to focus more on his true passion—his tech startup—while also ensuring his team would have the opportunity to thrive within a larger ecosystem. He wanted to find a buyer who could help the agency grow, expand its capabilities, and attract bigger tech clients.

When Ermis decided to sell, his main goal was to find a buyer that would maintain the agency’s strong culture while providing new growth opportunities for the team. He prioritized a partner who would respect Uproar’s collaborative and innovative spirit, ensuring that the team could continue to thrive in a supportive environment. At the same time, he sought a buyer who could offer expanded resources and scale, helping Uproar reach new heights while preserving the values that made it successful.

To prepare Uproar PR for acquisition, we focused on showcasing the company’s consistent year-over-year growth and realistic performance projections. We highlighted their strong reputation, proven lead generation system, capable leadership team, and diverse client base—key factors that demonstrate the company’s stability and growth potential. With these strengths, Uproar was positioned as an attractive acquisition opportunity, poised for continued success and long-term value.

At Merge, we marketed Uproar PR for acquisition by highlighting its vibrant culture and strong growth potential. We emphasized their upbeat, fully remote team, known for creativity and collaboration, and the company’s dedication to team engagement. We outlined key growth opportunities, including implementing an Account-Based Marketing (ABM) strategy to target niche markets, forming strategic partnerships to expand their client base and reach, and leveraging outbound marketing to proactively attract new clients. These factors positioned Uproar as a high-potential acquisition, appealing to buyers seeking a dynamic, growth-oriented agency.

From the outset, Uproar and Moburst were a perfect match. Ermis sought to focus on his tech startup within a larger ecosystem, while Moburst needed a PR partner to complement their digital marketing expertise. Both agencies share a passion for technology and innovation, aiming to help high-growth companies succeed. The cultural fit between the teams was evident, and the collaboration reinforced their belief that this acquisition would add significant value, allowing Moburst to expand its services and strengthen its position in tech marketing.

The acquisition of Uproar PR by Moburst has created strong synergies, driven by a shared passion for technology and high-growth companies. The seamless cultural fit between the management teams has fostered a collaborative and innovative environment, enhancing both agencies’ ability to serve clients. By combining Uproar’s PR expertise with Moburst’s digital marketing strengths, the partnership has broadened their capabilities, positioning them to tackle larger opportunities in the tech sector.

Merge was instrumental in the acquisition of Uproar by Moburst. We presented the company to leading buyers, assessed potential partners, and facilitated ongoing communication throughout the process. By leveraging our tailored approach and extensive buyer network, we generated substantial interest and ensured a seamless, successful transaction for all parties.

AdLeg built a reputation as a premier agency for businesses looking to maximize their return on investment through YouTube advertising. The agency provided more than just media buying, offering ad scripting, video production, tracking implementation, and conversion funnel optimization. This full-funnel approach set AdLeg apart from traditional digital marketing firms, making it a valuable partner for clients seeking a comprehensive YouTube advertising strategy.

In addition to client services, AdLeg established itself as an authority in the YouTube Ads space through education and training. The agency’s YouTube channel and online coaching programs attracted new business while positioning AdLeg as a trusted leader in its niche. By leveraging an inbound sales model, the agency consistently secured new clients without the need for aggressive outbound sales efforts, a key differentiator that contributed to its long-term success.

After years of running and growing AdLeg, founder Kyle Sulerud made the decision to sell the business to step away from agency life and spend more time with his family. Having built a strong and profitable business with a talented team in place, Kyle wanted to ensure that AdLeg would continue to thrive under new leadership. The sale provided him with financial freedom while allowing him to transition out of day-to-day operations without disrupting the agency’s ongoing success.

For Kyle, finding the right buyer was about more than just securing the best financial offer. He wanted to ensure that AdLeg’s next owner would have the operational and strategic capabilities to continue growing the agency while maintaining its strong client relationships. The ideal buyer needed to understand digital marketing, respect the agency’s existing processes, and be committed to preserving AdLeg’s reputation. Transparency and a seamless transition were also critical factors in Kyle’s decision to sell, as he wanted to provide stability for both the agency’s team and its clients.

To position AdLeg as an attractive acquisition target, Merge emphasized the agency’s strong financial performance, operational efficiency, and scalable growth model. With 100% of revenue generated through retainer clients, AdLeg offered a stable and predictable income stream that made it a compelling investment opportunity. The agency’s inbound sales pipeline, fueled by its content marketing strategy and social media presence, demonstrated its ability to attract new business without heavy reliance on outbound sales.

Another key selling point was the agency’s experienced and well-structured team. With systems and processes already in place, AdLeg was designed to operate efficiently without requiring significant day-to-day involvement from the owner. This made it an ideal acquisition for an entrepreneur looking for a business that could be managed and scaled with minimal disruption.

AdLeg’s strong financials, recurring revenue model, and digital-first operations attracted multiple buyers interested in acquiring a well-established marketing agency. The agency stood out as a business with a built-in audience, proven client acquisition strategy, and highly specialized expertise in YouTube advertising.

Among the potential buyers, Tyler York emerged as the best fit. With a background in digital marketing and a strong desire to own and operate his own agency, Tyler was well-positioned to take over AdLeg. He secured an SBA loan to fund the acquisition, allowing him to leverage financing while ensuring the agency’s continued success. His vision for scaling AdLeg aligned with Kyle’s desire to see the agency thrive beyond his ownership.

Tyler’s ability to connect with Kyle and clearly outline his plan for operating the agency post-acquisition made him an ideal buyer. His marketing background, combined with his entrepreneurial mindset, reassured both clients and employees that the agency would remain in good hands. With a structured transition plan in place, Tyler stepped into ownership smoothly, ensuring continuity for AdLeg’s team and clients.

Less than a year after the acquisition, AdLeg was recognized in US Business News as a top digital marketing agency, further validating its continued success under new leadership. The deal provided Kyle with the opportunity to step away from the business while giving Tyler a well-established agency with a clear growth trajectory.

Following the acquisition, Tyler successfully maintained AdLeg’s strong performance while implementing new growth strategies to further scale the business. The agency’s inbound sales pipeline remained highly effective, continuing to generate new client opportunities. Under Tyler’s leadership, AdLeg expanded its media buying capabilities, strengthened client relationships, and further optimized its educational content strategy to attract new business.

The agency’s retention rate remained high due to its consistent service delivery and structured client management processes. With a strong operational foundation and an experienced team in place, AdLeg was well-positioned for long-term success.

Merge played a critical role in identifying the right buyer for AdLeg, ensuring a seamless transition and long-term alignment. By positioning AdLeg as a high-value acquisition opportunity, Merge attracted multiple buyers, ultimately securing a deal that benefited both Kyle and Tyler. Through strategic deal structuring, negotiation, and transition planning, Merge facilitated a transaction that allowed Kyle to successfully exit the business while ensuring AdLeg’s continued growth under new ownership.

The acquisition of AdLeg highlights Merge’s expertise in matching high-performing digital agencies with the right buyers, creating long-term value and sustainable success for all stakeholders involved.

Lazarus Design Team specializes in creating personalized marketing strategies tailored to each client’s unique needs. As a tight-knit group of elite designers, marketers, and creatives, they employ a proven growth strategy framework, beginning with in-depth business analysis and customer interviews. Their approach is field-tested, consistently delivering real results. With an advanced reporting system, clients can track their marketing efforts regularly, ensuring transparency and accountability. Lazarus allows clients to focus on running their businesses with confidence while the team manages their website and marketing needs.

Having founded Lazarus Design Team during their college years, the founders enjoyed a remarkable journey of growth and success over the past eight years. Their entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to excellence propelled the agency to new heights, allowing them to build a strong reputation and a loyal client base. As they reflected on their achievements, they recognized it was time to take their chips off the table. Eager to explore new ventures and pursue fresh opportunities, they sought a transition that would enable Lazarus to thrive under new leadership while they embarked on exciting new chapters in their professional lives.

In seeking a buyer, the founders looked for a partner who shared their vision for the future of Lazarus Design Team. They prioritized finding a buyer with a strong background in marketing and business development, someone who could appreciate the agency’s unique strengths and potential for growth. It was essential that the new leadership would maintain the agency’s commitment to quality service while fostering innovation. Additionally, they desired a collaborative approach that would honor their existing client relationships and ensure a seamless transition for both the team and clients, setting the stage for continued success.

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 marketing Lazarus Design Team it was essential to highlight what sets them apart from other agencies while also showcasing their growth opportunities. Lazarus distinguishes itself through three key elements: first, their exceptional design, which captures attention and drives engagement. Second, their local team of experts is dedicated to meeting clients where they are, ensuring personalized service and understanding of the unique challenges each business faces. Finally, Lazarus offers full-service marketing and design solutions all under one roof, providing a cohesive strategy that streamlines the process and enhances results. This combination of distinctive design, local expertise, and comprehensive services positions Lazarus as a standout choice for businesses seeking to elevate their marketing efforts.

The search culminated in the acquisition by Brett Honerkamp of Element World Ventures. Brett, a solo entrepreneur with a robust background in private equity and business development, recognized the potential of Lazarus Design Team. His experience aligned seamlessly with the agency’s marketing and sales capabilities, making him an ideal fit.

Following the acquisition, the synergies between Lazarus Design Team and Element World Ventures quickly became evident. Brett’s expertise in business development opened new avenues for growth, facilitating the expansion of the client list in the southeastern United States. The founders’ ongoing involvement, bolstered by their retained equity, provided invaluable insights and continuity. This collaboration not only enhanced operational efficiency but also fostered innovation, positioning Lazarus for a vibrant future.

The successful acquisition of Lazarus Design Team was made possible by Merge’s strategic facilitation of the process. Leveraging an extensive network, Merge connected the founders with a range of potential buyers, ensuring they had a comprehensive understanding of their options. This approach allowed the founders to confidently select Brett Honerkamp, a decision that aligned with their vision for the agency’s future while preserving their legacy. Merge’s expertise and strategic guidance were instrumental in navigating meaningful conversations, ultimately leading to a successful and harmonious transition.