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Bloom Network
(01)Engagement
Overview
Strategic buyer acquires Bloom Network for growth.
Founded in 2020, Bloom Network was a boutique influencer talent management agency specializing in lifestyle, motherhood, and wellness creators across the U.S. Known for its ethical, high-touch approach to influencer management, the agency represented a curated roster of female influencers, guiding every aspect of their brand partnerships—from negotiation to performance analytics. With a commission-only revenue model, strong inbound referrals, and a reputation for transparency, Bloom Network quickly built trust in a competitive space. After years of steady organic growth, the agency sought out a strategic partner to fuel the next stage of expansion.
(Details)
- Engagement Sell-Side Representation
- Type Full Sale
- Category Female Founded, Under $10M, Marketing & Advertising, Media & Content Production, PR & Communications, Social Media & Influencer
- 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 Bloom Network?
Bloom Network carved out a distinct position in the influencer marketing world by focusing on mission-driven content creators who valued authentic audience relationships. The agency supported talent with 50K+ Instagram followers or 100K+ on TikTok or YouTube, helping them secure and manage partnerships that aligned with their personal brand and growth goals. From negotiation and campaign coordination to analytics and renewals, Bloom provided white-glove service to ensure both creators and brands achieved results. With over 40 influencers and 170 brand partnerships in the final year alone, Bloom earned a reputation as a go-to partner for both talent and marketers.
(03)Founder's
Motive
The Why Behind The Sale
Kate Shaw launched Bloom after working on the brand side of influencer campaigns—and spotting the need for a more honest, relationship-first approach to talent management. She built Bloom on word-of-mouth referrals, winning trust by advocating for creators and delivering strong outcomes. Kate was ready to find a strategic partner who shared her values and could help take the agency to the next level with more support and operational resources. She remained open to staying on post-sale to ensure a smooth transition and continue fueling the agency’s growth.
(04)Founder’s Vision
Criteria for the Perfect Acquisition Fit
Kate wasn’t just looking for a buyer—she was looking for a partner who aligned with Bloom’s culture of transparency, trust, and quality. The ideal acquirer would understand the influencer space and bring complementary strengths, such as operations, sales infrastructure, or connections to new brand categories. Someone who could help scale the team, expand Bloom’s niche offerings, and preserve what made the agency special: its ethical foundation and close-knit client relationships.
(05)Setting the Stage
Preparing Bloom Network for Acquisition
To position Bloom for sale, Merge highlighted the agency’s reliable commission-based revenue, strong influencer retention, and organic lead flow. With a 3.2x EBITDA multiple and a clear growth runway, Bloom stood out as a well-run business with major upside. The agency’s lean team and systems-driven operations made it easy to scale without sacrificing service quality. With minimal client concentration, high gross margins, and 100% recurring influencer contracts, the business offered buyers a strong foundation and clean financial profile.
(06)Attracting Suitors
Strategic Marketing of Bloom Network for Acquisition
Merge marketed Bloom as a premium influencer management agency with deep roots in lifestyle and wellness—two of the most in-demand influencer categories. The positioning emphasized Kate’s dual experience (brand and talent side), the agency’s ethical practices, and strong inbound brand interest. Buyers in the digital marketing, talent management, and creator economy spaces expressed strong interest, particularly those looking to expand into the influencer vertical with a team and platform already in place.
(07)Sealing the Deal
Perfect Matchmaking with the Ideal Buyer
The buyer who emerged as the best fit was Nick Blake, the current CEO of Cascade Growth. He saw Bloom’s potential as a springboard into the fast-growing influencer economy. With complementary strengths in operations and media, Nick recognized the opportunity to support Bloom with more resources while keeping the core team and culture intact. With Kate staying on, the deal included a transition plan to ensure continuity and unlock long-term growth.
(08)Unlocking Synergies
Positive Impacts Post-Transaction
Post-sale, Bloom is already benefiting from new tech tools, expanded service offerings, and stronger brand partnerships. The team has grown to support more influencers, and Bloom is exploring new verticals like travel, fashion, and affiliate marketing. With improved backend support and business development resources, the agency is scaling while staying true to its values. Kate remains at the helm, continuing to drive strategy and nurture relationships with talent..
(09)Finding a New Home
The Merge Difference
Merge played a central role in helping Bloom define its market story, identify aligned buyers, and guide the process from start to finish. From surfacing the right suitors to navigating diligence and deal structuring, Merge ensured the transaction reflected Kate’s vision and protected what she had built. With the right partner now in place, Bloom Network is poised for its next chapter—ready to grow, expand, and keep making a difference for creators who trust them.
Origin Agency
(01)Engagement
Overview
Strategic buyer acquires Origin Agency for growth.
Founded in 2007 in St. Louis, Origin Agency is a marketing agency specializing in retail and promotional marketing for beverage brands—particularly spirits, wine, and non-alcoholic alternatives. Origin was launched by founders Julie Wood, Michelle Thomas, and Lance Thomas after leaving large agencies to build a flatter, more efficient model. The agency offers campaign development, merchandising, branding and packaging, advertising, and in-house photography. With deep integration at major clients like Pernod Ricard USA, Gallo, Proximo Spirits, and Ritual Zero Proof, Origin is consistently ranked among their top agencies for creativity, account service, and adaptability.
(Details)
- Engagement Sell-Side Representation
- Type Full Sale
- Category Social Media, Creative Content Development, Female Founded, Under $10M, Branding & Creative, Content Marketing, Market Research, Marketing & Advertising, Media & Content Production, Social Media & Influencer
- 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 Origin Agency?
Origin Agency is a full-service creative partner that helps beverage brands stand out across retail, digital, and experiential channels. Their expertise spans the entire consumer journey, including shopper marketing, seasonal retail audits, packaging design, and in-house photography. The team works hand-in-hand with clients to develop cohesive strategies that engage consumers both in-store and online. With a strong reputation for creative execution and operational efficiency, Origin has become an indispensable partner for tier-one beverage companies.
(03)Founder's
Motive
The Why Behind The Sale
The founders of Origin were seeking a partner to help scale the agency beyond its boutique structure. Their goals included reducing the operational and administrative burden on leadership, securing a succession plan that protected their employees and clients, and positioning the agency for growth into adjacent categories such as craft beer and non-alcoholic beverages. They also wanted to explore efficiencies through AI and new technologies while ensuring cultural alignment with any future buyer.
(04)Founder’s Vision
Criteria for the Perfect Acquisition Fit
The founders were looking for a buyer who could provide the infrastructure, resources, and leadership needed to expand Origin’s already strong foundation. The ideal fit was a partner who shared their passion for the beverage industry and could bring additional scale and operational expertise without disrupting the agency’s culture. Preserving creative autonomy, supporting employees, and strengthening client relationships were critical factors in the search.
(05)Setting the Stage
Preparing Origin Agency for Acquisition
To position Origin as an attractive acquisition target, Merge emphasized its recurring 75% retainer-based revenue model, long-standing partnerships with global beverage leaders, and strong profitability with $3.3M in revenue and $1.15M EBITDA at a 4.1x multiple. Merge also highlighted the agency’s reputation for creativity, its in-house capabilities like photography, and its industry-leading seasonal retail audits, which consistently generate both client retention and new business opportunities.
(06)Attracting Suitors
Strategic Marketing of Origin Agency for Acquisition
Merge positioned Origin as a high-performing creative agency with a niche focus on the beverage sector. By showcasing its strong relationships with leading spirits and wine brands and its proven ability to deliver award-winning campaigns, Merge attracted multiple interested parties. Buyers were particularly drawn to Origin’s scalable business model, recurring revenue streams, and highly integrated client relationships.
(07)Sealing the Deal
Perfect Matchmaking with the Ideal Buyer
The buyer was a group of entrepreneurs with agency, HR, and consulting backgrounds who shared a strong cultural alignment with Origin’s leadership. They saw the opportunity to take Origin to the next level by investing in infrastructure and leveraging the agency’s expertise and client base. The founders rolled equity and remain active in the business, ensuring continuity for employees and clients. The acquisition gave the buyer immediate access to deep expertise and relationships in the beverage sector while providing Origin with a platform for growth into non-alc, craft beer, and broader CPG.
(08)Unlocking Synergies
Positive Impacts Post-Transaction
Since the acquisition, Origin has been positioned to expand into new categories while continuing to serve its core beverage clients at the highest level. With the buyer’s operational support, the agency is exploring new efficiencies, including AI-driven processes, while broadening its footprint across CPG verticals. The founders’ continued involvement ensures consistency in client relationships and creative execution, while the buyer brings the infrastructure to fuel long-term growth.
(09)Finding a New Home
The Merge Difference
Merge played a critical role in identifying the right partner for Origin. Through thoughtful positioning, targeted outreach, and expert negotiation, Merge connected the founders with a culturally aligned buyer who shared their vision for growth. By balancing the agency’s need for scale with its commitment to creativity and culture, Merge secured a transaction that empowers Origin to thrive in its next chapter.