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Symmetri Marketing
(01)Engagement
Overview
Strategic buyer acquires Symmetri Marketing for growth.
Founded in 2003, Symmetri Marketing is a B2B brand strategy and digital marketing agency serving complex industries including healthcare, manufacturing, and higher education. Known for blending creative, content, and technology to help technical organizations tell clearer brand stories, Symmetri built long-standing client relationships and a reputation as a strategic partner rather than a traditional vendor. After more than two decades of growth, the founders partnered with Yes&, a fully integrated creative agency, to scale Symmetri’s platform, expand creative capabilities, and unlock new growth opportunities for the team.
(Details)
- Engagement Sell-Side Representation
- Type Full Sale
- Category Digital Product & Web Development, Creative Content Development, Under $10M, Branding & Creative, Content Marketing, Data & Analytics, Marketing & Advertising, Performance Marketing, PR & Communications, Professional Services, Web Design & Development
- Buyer Type Strategic Acquirer
- Deal Size Under $10M
- Services Valuation & Market Positioning, Buyer Targeting & Outreach, Offer & Negotiation Support, Due Diligence Management, Closing & Transition Support
(02)Inside The
Enterprise
Who Is Symmetri Marketing?
Symmetri operates as a full-service B2B marketing partner, delivering brand strategy, content development, digital marketing, and web technology solutions for organizations with complex products and long sales cycles. With a remote-first operating model and a collaborative team structure, the agency supports clients across healthcare, manufacturing, and higher education by translating technical offerings into compelling brand narratives that drive engagement, demand, and long-term growth.
(03)Founder's
Motive
The Why Behind The Sale
Having built Symmetri over two decades, the founders began exploring a new chapter for the business that would provide greater growth opportunities and access to capital while preserving the agency’s culture and team. One founder was preparing for retirement, while the other sought to take some chips off the table and continue growing Symmetri’s creative capabilities within a larger platform.
(04)Founder’s Vision
Criteria for the Perfect Acquisition Fit
For Symmetri’s leadership, the right partner needed to respect the agency’s B2B focus, creative culture, and collaborative operating model while bringing additional scale, systems, and resources. It was essential that the team have room to grow, expand capabilities, and take on larger, more complex work without losing the values and relationships that defined Symmetri’s success.
(05)Setting the Stage
Preparing Symmetri Marketing for Acquisition
Merge positioned Symmetri around its deep B2B specialization, long-standing client relationships, and integrated service offering across branding, content, and technology. The agency was presented as a resilient platform with strong industry positioning, experienced leadership, and the ability to operate independently, making it an attractive growth opportunity for a strategic acquirer.
(06)Attracting Suitors
Strategic Marketing of Symmetri Marketing for Acquisition
Symmetri was marketed as a high-quality B2B agency with proven processes, creative excellence, and a reputation for solving complex marketing challenges. Buyers were drawn to the agency’s industry expertise, scalable delivery model, and ability to embed deeply within client organizations as a strategic partner.
(07)Sealing the Deal
Perfect Matchmaking with the Ideal Buyer
Symmetri was acquired by Yes&, a fully integrated creative agency actively growing through acquisition and seeking to expand its B2B capabilities. Yes& recognized Symmetri as a strong cultural and strategic fit, gaining a team with proven processes and creative depth while Symmetri gained access to capital, infrastructure, and a larger platform for growth
(08)Unlocking Synergies
Positive Impacts Post-Transaction
Following the acquisition, Symmetri’s team gained new opportunities to expand services, collaborate across a larger creative network, and take on more complex B2B work. Yes& strengthened its B2B offering while Symmetri gained the scale and support needed to accelerate growth and enhance its creative impact.
(09)Finding a New Home
The Merge Difference
Merge guided Symmetri through a founder-first acquisition process focused on cultural alignment, long-term growth, and team continuity. Through strategic positioning, targeted outreach, and hands-on transaction support, Merge helped place Symmetri with a partner that supports its next chapter of growth with Yes&.
Coastal Collective
(01)Engagement
Overview
Strategic buyer acquires Coastal Collective for growth.
Founded in 2018, Coastal Collective Marketing is a California-based social media agency serving SMB brands and marketing agencies across the United States. Built around a community-led, social-first model, the agency established itself as a trusted partner for brands seeking authentic storytelling, audience engagement, and measurable growth across digital platforms. Under founder Brooke Apffel’s leadership, Coastal Collective scaled rapidly to over $1.1M in revenue with 99% of clients on recurring retainers, positioning the business as a modern, high-retention agency with strong brand equity and long-term growth potential.
(Details)
- Engagement Sell-Side Representation
- Type Full Sale
- Category Social Media, Creative Content Development, Paid Media & Lead Generation, Female Founded, Under $10M, Content Marketing, Marketing & Advertising, Performance Marketing, PR & Communications
- Buyer Type Strategic Acquirer
- Deal Size Under $10M
- Services Valuation & Market Positioning, Buyer Targeting & Outreach, Offer & Negotiation Support, Due Diligence Management, Closing & Transition Support
(02)Inside The
Enterprise
Who Is Coastal Collective?
Coastal Collective operates as a full-service social media marketing partner, supporting clients through social strategy, content development, community management, paid media, and email marketing, while also offering education through online courses and masterclasses designed to help individuals and agencies build scalable social programs. The agency delivers platform-specific strategies across Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Pinterest, and LinkedIn, blending creative execution with data-driven insights, and operates with a fully remote team of eight full-time employees, allowing for a lean, scalable structure that maintains quality and consistency across all client engagements.
(03)Founder's
Motive
The Why Behind The Sale
After seven years of growth and hundreds of clients served, founder Brooke began considering the long-term future of the business and recognized the opportunity to partner with an organization that could help scale Coastal Collective’s community-led, social-first model without compromising its culture, leadership, or creative integrity, seeking infrastructure, technology, and strategic depth to support the next phase of growth while ensuring continuity for her team and clients.
(04)Founder’s Vision
Criteria for the Perfect Acquisition Fit
For Brooke, the right partner needed to value human connection, creativity, and social intelligence as core to modern brand building, while respecting Coastal Collective’s identity, leadership, and team culture, and bringing operational scale, systems, and resources that would allow the agency to expand its capabilities and impact without losing what made it successful.
(05)Setting the Stage
Preparing Coastal Collective for Acquisition
To prepare the agency for market, Merge highlighted Coastal Collective’s highly recurring revenue base, consistent historical growth, organic inbound engine, and strong client retention, positioning the business as a scalable, social-first platform with predictable cash flow and clear opportunities to expand paid advertising, email marketing, and education offerings.
(06)Attracting Suitors
Strategic Marketing of Coastal Collective for Acquisition
Merge marketed Coastal Collective as a differentiated social media agency with deep expertise in content, community, and storytelling, attracting buyers drawn to its inbound-led growth, strong social presence, and proven ability to drive measurable engagement and retention, while the agency’s diversified revenue streams and modern operating model signaled meaningful long-term value.
(07)Sealing the Deal
Perfect Matchmaking with the Ideal Buyer
Coastal Collective was acquired by Stellar Agency, a digital-first platform that views social, community, and storytelling as essential to the future of brand building, recognizing Coastal Collective’s human-first approach as a natural extension of its broader digital, web, and technology services and an opportunity to embed social intelligence across its organization.
(08)Unlocking Synergies
Positive Impacts Post-Transaction
Following the acquisition, Coastal Collective retained its leadership, brand, and creative direction while gaining access to enhanced infrastructure, systems, and strategic support, while Stellar benefited from a social-first engine embedded at the leadership level, allowing both organizations to grow together through a complementary partnership rather than a consolidation
(09)Finding a New Home
The Merge Difference
Merge guided Coastal Collective through a founder-first acquisition process focused on alignment, continuity, and long-term opportunity, using thoughtful positioning, targeted buyer outreach, and hands-on transaction support to place the agency with a partner that honors its legacy and supports its next chapter of growth with Stellar Agency.
Nominee Design
(01)Engagement
Overview
Strategic buyer acquires Nominee Design for growth.
Founded in 2010, Nominee Design is an Oklahoma City–based boutique brand development studio serving consumer brands, civic institutions, cultural organizations, and educational ventures across the United States. Originally rooted in the music industry, Nominee built a national reputation for strategy-led creative that blends storytelling, cultural awareness, and visual clarity. Over more than a decade, the studio became a trusted partner to organizations navigating high-stakes brand moments, with a portfolio that includes Jack Daniels, TEDx, Osage Nation, the Oklahoma City International Airport, and the OU Foundation.
(Details)
- Engagement Sell-Side Representation
- Type Full Sale
- Category Video Production, Web Design & Development, Professional Services, Social Media, Creative Content Development, Under $10M, Branding & Creative, Content Marketing, Marketing & Advertising, Media & Content Production, PR & Communications
- Buyer Type Strategic Acquirer
- Deal Size Under $10M
- Services Valuation & Market Positioning, Buyer Targeting & Outreach, Offer & Negotiation Support, Due Diligence Management, Closing & Transition Support
(02)Inside The
Enterprise
Who Is Nominee Design?
Nominee operates as a brand-first creative studio focused on helping organizations define who they are and how they show up in the world. Its work spans brand research and strategy, naming, messaging, visual identity, packaging, illustration, and print and digital design. The agency serves both B2B and B2C clients and is frequently engaged during periods of growth, transformation, or public-facing change. With a mix of project-based and long-term engagements, Nominee maintained a stable revenue base and built deep relationships with its clients, many of whom returned for additional work over time.
(03)Founder's
Motive
The Why Behind The Sale
Founder Matt Stansberry spent many years building Nominee into a nationally respected creative studio. As the agency matured, Matt began exploring new ventures across the music, startup, and real estate sectors. While Nominee remained well-positioned in the market, he reached a point where he wanted to step away from day-to-day leadership and ensure the studio’s legacy continued under new ownership. His goal was to find a partner who could preserve the culture and creative integrity of the agency while guiding it into its next stage of growth.
(04)Founder’s Vision
Criteria for the Perfect Acquisition Fit
For Matt, the right buyer needed to respect Nominee’s strategy-led creative process and value the relationships that had been built with both clients and team members. Cultural alignment was critical, as was a shared belief in the importance of thoughtful branding and collaboration. The ideal partner would support the existing team, protect the agency’s creative identity, and provide the structure and resources needed to scale the business responsibly.
(05)Setting the Stage
Preparing Nominee Design for Acquisition
To prepare Nominee for market, Merge highlighted the agency’s strong foundation, national client portfolio, and reputation for high-quality work. The business was positioned as a well-established creative studio with refined processes, loyal clients, and meaningful opportunity for growth under the right leadership.
(06)Attracting Suitors
Strategic Marketing of Nominee Design for Acquisition
Merge marketed Nominee as a nationally recognized brand studio with a loyal client base and a refined creative process. Buyers were drawn to the agency’s work with high-profile brands and institutions, as well as its reputation for strategy-led design. Although the business had historically relied on inbound referrals rather than formal sales, this was seen as an opportunity rather than a limitation, signaling strong demand for Nominee’s services and clear potential for future growth.
(07)Sealing the Deal
Perfect Matchmaking with the Ideal Buyer
Nominee was acquired by 617 Collective, a strategic buyer focused on building creative platforms through shared infrastructure and long-term growth strategy. The partnership aligned Nominee’s creative strengths with 617 Collective’s ability to support business development, operations, and scalability. The transaction ensured continuity for Nominee’s clients and team while creating a foundation for the studio’s next chapter.
(08)Unlocking Synergies
Positive Impacts Post-Transaction
Following the acquisition, Nominee became part of a larger creative platform that supports collaboration, expansion, and operational stability. The agency is now positioned to grow its national presence, deepen existing client relationships, and explore new service offerings while maintaining the culture and creative standards that defined its success.
(09)Finding a New Home
The Merge Difference
Merge guided Nominee through a thoughtful, founder-first acquisition process focused on long-term alignment and continuity. Through careful positioning, targeted buyer outreach, and hands-on transaction support, Merge helped facilitate a partnership that honored Nominee’s legacy while setting the stage for continued growth with 617 Collective.
Punch PR
(01)Engagement
Overview
Strategic buyer acquires Punch PR for growth.
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.
(Details)
- Engagement Sell-Side Representation
- Type Full Sale
- Category Marketing & Advertising, Public Relations, Creative Content Development, Female Founded, Branding & Creative, Content Marketing, Media & Content Production, PR & Communications
- 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 The
Enterprise
Who Is Punch PR?
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 Why Behind The Sale
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
Criteria for the Perfect Acquisition Fit
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
Preparing Punch PR for Acquisition
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
Strategic Marketing of Punch PR for Acquisition
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
Perfect Matchmaking with the Ideal Buyer
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
Positive Impacts Post-Transaction
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
The Merge Difference
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.
Kitcaster
(01)Engagement
Overview
Strategic buyer acquires Kitcaster for growth.
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.
(Details)
- Engagement Sell-Side Representation
- Type Full Sale
- Category Under $10M, Content Marketing, Marketing & Advertising, Media & Content Production, Podcast Production, PR & Communications, Female Founded
- 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 The
Enterprise
Who Is Kitcaster?
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
The Why Behind The Sale
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
Criteria for the Perfect Acquisition Fit
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
Preparing Kitcaster for Acquisition
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
Strategic Marketing of Kitcaster for Acquisition
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
Perfect Matchmaking with the Ideal Buyer
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
Positive Impacts Post-Transaction
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
The Merge Difference
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.