(01)Engagement
Overview
Founded in 2009, Punch PR is a Milwaukee-based public relations agency specializing in media relations, influencer marketing, and brand activations. Built by co-founders Lauren Grimm and David Racine, the agency earned a reputation for crafting tailored, results-driven campaigns for clients like Fromm Family Foods, KEEN Utility, and Generac. Known for its long-standing client relationships and 90% retainer-based revenue model, Punch PR combined creative strategy with operational stability through a lean, experienced team of seven. After more than a decade of consistent performance, Punch PR was acquired by Trozzolo Communications Group, a values-aligned agency looking to expand its footprint in Milwaukee and continue delivering integrated, high-impact communications work across the Midwest.
(02)Inside The
Enterprise
With complementary backgrounds in media relations, communications, and event production, co-founders Lauren Grimm and David Racine created Punch PR as a trusted, high-performing agency grounded in strategy and measurable results. Headquartered in Milwaukee, the firm quickly built a name for itself in the Midwest and beyond by delivering standout work in media relations, influencer marketing, and brand activations. The agency’s success was driven by a lean team of seven, a commitment to long-term client relationships, and an impressive portfolio featuring brands like Fromm Family Foods, KEEN Utility, and Generac. With 90% of revenue generated from recurring retainers, Punch PR’s business model offered stability, predictability, and room to scale.
(03)Founder's
Motive
The founders of Punch PR were looking to take some chips off the table while securing a partner that could help expand opportunities for both their team and their clients. They also wanted to join forces with a broader leadership team that shared their values and vision. Both Lauren and David were committed to staying on and continuing to guide client strategy and agency direction post-sale.
(04)Founder’s Vision
Lauren and David were seeking a buyer that could offer broader leadership support while maintaining Punch PR’s culture and client-first approach. The ideal partner would have a strong Midwest presence, a commitment to team development, and a collaborative mindset that aligned with Punch PR’s values and long-term vision.
(05)Setting the Stage
To prepare the agency for market, Merge highlighted Punch PR’s financial performance—$1.03M in revenue and $182K in EBITDA—alongside its high client retention rate and retainer-based model. The agency was valued at $650K based on a 3.6x multiple of EBITDA. Punch PR was positioned as a mission-driven agency with a stellar track record and a team eager to scale. Opportunities for growth through outbound lead generation, expanded service offerings, and enhanced business development capabilities helped drive buyer interest.
(06)Attracting Suitors
Merge marketed Punch PR as a rare opportunity to acquire a well-respected PR agency with long-standing client relationships and a highly engaged leadership team. The firm’s presence in the Midwest, coupled with its reputation in sectors like CPG and energy, attracted attention from buyers seeking to deepen their geographic and industry reach.
(07)Sealing the Deal
Punch PR was acquired by Trozzolo Communications Group, a values-aligned agency with complementary services and a desire to grow its presence in Milwaukee. Lauren and David remained on board to help integrate operations and expand client services, making the transition seamless.
(08)Unlocking Synergies
Since the acquisition, both agencies have benefited from shared resources, new business development opportunities, and an expanded talent bench. Punch PR has continued to operate under its own brand while tapping into Trozzolo’s broader network, unlocking new opportunities for growth across the region.
(09)Finding a New Home
Merge worked closely with Punch PR to craft a narrative that resonated with the right buyers, facilitated a smooth diligence process, and negotiated a deal that met the founders’ goals. By staying focused on cultural fit and long-term potential, Merge helped Punch PR find a new home that values both its past and future.
(01)Engagement
Overview
Founded in 2019, Kitcaster is a leading podcast booking agency based in Denver, Colorado, specializing in strategic guest placements for B2B clients including SaaS founders, C-suite leaders, and VC-backed executives. Known for its highly tailored process and white-glove service model, Kitcaster built its reputation by securing top-tier podcast appearances that drive brand visibility and thought leadership. With a strong internal operations team and 100% retainer-based revenue model, Kitcaster developed scalable systems and a loyal client base across the startup and enterprise landscape. After years of steady growth, Kitcaster was acquired by Moburst, a global mobile marketing agency, to enhance their PR offerings and continue building on Kitcaster’s momentum.
(02)Inside The
Enterprise
Kitcaster carved out a unique niche in the podcasting world by serving executive-level B2B clients looking to grow their presence through long-form, high-impact interviews. Clients typically include tech founders, entrepreneurs with notable exits, and corporate innovators. The agency offers a turnkey experience—from building custom media pages to securing a minimum of 18 podcast appearances over a six-month period. Every engagement is supported by short-form content production and media prep services that enhance impact and positioning.
By 2024, Kitcaster was working with over 150 active clients and averaging $1.1M in annual revenue, all on monthly retainers. With strong inbound lead generation and a proprietary database of 8,000+ podcasts, the team had built an efficient engine for high-quality placement and campaign delivery. This process, coupled with a client-centric culture and deep expertise in storytelling, made Kitcaster a leader in the growing podcast PR space.
(03)Founder's
Motive
Kitcaster’s co-founders, Brandy and Ryan, had built something truly special—and knew the next chapter required more resources, leadership support, and access to complementary capabilities. They were seeking a buyer that could help scale the agency while preserving its values and high-touch client approach. Their goal was to join a larger ecosystem where Kitcaster’s team could thrive, and where they could continue to play an active role during a meaningful transition.
(04)Founder’s Vision
Brandy and Ryan wanted a partner who could accelerate Kitcaster’s growth without disrupting what made it great: its team, culture, and client-first mentality. Their ideal buyer had experience in PR or adjacent verticals and could bring operational support, team development opportunities, and new distribution channels for Kitcaster’s services. Cultural fit was a must—they were looking for shared values, not just a good financial deal.
(05)Setting the Stage
To position Kitcaster for sale, Merge focused on the agency’s unique market niche, operational efficiency, and strong customer economics. The business stood out for its scalable, process-driven service delivery, with a 100% recurring revenue model.. By highlighting Kitcaster’s clean financials, low owner involvement, and loyal client base, Merge showcased the opportunity for a strategic buyer to step in and scale quickly.
(06)Attracting Suitors
Merge marketed Kitcaster as the go-to agency in the podcast placement category, a rapidly growing segment of PR. The positioning emphasized Kitcaster’s streamlined client experience, niche B2B focus, and strong operational backbone. This narrative attracted interest from buyers in media, PR, and digital marketing. Moburst—who had recently acquired Uproar through Merge—quickly emerged as the best fit. They were actively seeking to deepen their PR capabilities and saw Kitcaster as a perfect bolt-on.
(07)Sealing the Deal
The acquisition by Moburst brought immediate value to both parties. Kitcaster gained access to a broader suite of marketing services and growth infrastructure, while Moburst expanded its service offerings and talent base. Importantly, Brandy and Ryan stayed on for the transition, ensuring continuity and alignment. With complementary cultures and aligned visions, the integration has been smooth, productive, and filled with new growth opportunities.
(08)Unlocking Synergies
Since the acquisition, Moburst has already begun integrating Kitcaster’s podcast placement services into its broader PR campaigns—creating a seamless, multi-channel offering for both legacy and new clients. Kitcaster’s team has benefitted from expanded professional development opportunities and cross-functional collaboration. The partnership has unlocked exciting potential for global expansion, additional content services, and a broader footprint in the B2B communications space.
(09)Finding a New Home
Merge played a central role in identifying the right buyer, crafting a compelling market narrative, and guiding both sides through the deal. From positioning Kitcaster as the top agency in a high-growth vertical to aligning the seller’s goals with Moburst’s acquisition strategy, Merge helped ensure this was a win-win for everyone involved. The result is a thriving agency that’s now part of a larger vision—continuing to grow and create impact in the podcasting and PR world.