Technology & IT Services

Margins

(01)Engagement
Overview

Strategic buyer acquires Margins for growth.

Founded in 2022 and operating as a standalone agency since 2025, Margins Studio is a fully remote Webflow design and development agency specializing in end-to-end website builds, WordPress to Webflow migrations, and ongoing Web Support retainers for venture-backed startups and growth-stage teams. Built around a contractor-first model and an enablement-focused approach, the agency earned Enterprise-level partner status on the Webflow Marketplace and built a loyal client base through referrals, portfolio visibility, and a VC partnership that fed a steady stream of startup introductions. With approximately 50% of revenue from recurring retainers and a lean, high-margin operating structure, Margins established itself as a credible and profitable Webflow-first partner for teams that want great sites without building an internal dev function.

(Details)

  • Engagement Sell-Side Representation
  • Type Full Sale
  • Category Digital Product & Web Development, Under $10M, Technology & IT 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 Margins?

Margins operates as a Webflow-first design and development partner built around workflow-centric builds, client enablement, and ongoing support. Delivery runs through a vetted network of contractors across Webflow development, design, and branding, keeping fixed overhead minimal and margins strong. The business is fully remote with no leases, an inbound-only lead model, and roughly 64% of projected 2026 revenue already contracted at the time of sale.

(03)Founder's
Motive

The Why Behind The Sale

After building Margins into a profitable, well-positioned agency, founder Jesse Tomlinson made the decision to sell in order to pursue a new venture he was genuinely passionate about, an app built around his love of eclipses. With a project management contractor already stepping into day-to-day operations and a clean post-spinout structure in place, the timing was right to find a buyer who could take the agency forward while Jesse focused his energy on building something new.

(04)Founder’s Vision

Criteria for the Perfect Acquisition Fit

For Margins, the right acquirer needed to understand Webflow, value the agency’s enablement model, and be positioned to preserve the client relationships and contractor team that made the business work. A smooth, low-disruption transition was the priority, and the ideal buyer would bring enough familiarity with the work to hit the ground running without needing a lengthy onboarding period.

(05)Setting the Stage

Preparing Margins for Acquisition

To prepare Margins for market, Merge positioned the agency as a lean, profitable Webflow specialist with a growing recurring revenue base, an inbound-driven pipeline, and a clean operational structure following its 2025 spinout. The business stood out for its Enterprise-level Webflow Marketplace status, diversified client base across technology, health and life sciences, and professional services, and a contractor model that kept margins strong while enabling rapid scale. With roughly half of revenue already under retainer and a significant portion of 2026 projected revenue contracted, Margins offered buyers immediate stability alongside meaningful upside.

(06)Attracting Suitors

Strategic Marketing of Margins for Acquisition

Merge marketed Margins as a rare opportunity to acquire a profitable, Webflow-first agency with an inbound pipeline, recurring revenue, and a scalable contractor model ready to grow. Buyers were drawn to the agency’s Marketplace credibility, clean post-spin financials, and the clear path to expanding the retainer program, productizing templates and audits, and layering in outbound to enterprise Webflow site owners. The founder’s willingness to support a defined transition period and the project management contractor already in place made the handoff straightforward and low-risk

(07)Sealing the Deal

Perfect Matchmaking with the Ideal Buyer

Margins Studio was acquired by Chris Merritt of Coarsely Ground, a buyer with direct expertise in the Webflow web design space who saw acquisition as the right path to expand his footprint in the market. The familiarity with Webflow delivery and the type of work Margins does meant the transition could happen smoothly, with minimal disruption to clients, contractors, or the operational model that made the agency profitable in the first place.

(08)Unlocking Synergies

Positive Impacts Post-Transaction

Following the acquisition, Margins gained a hands-on owner with relevant expertise and a clear vision for growth. Coarsely Ground’s familiarity with the Webflow ecosystem means clients experience continuity in quality and approach, while the combined operation is positioned to expand the retainer program, deepen agency partnerships, and explore productization opportunities that the previous owner had identified but not yet pursued. For clients, the transition means more resources and an owner invested in the long-term growth of the business.

(09)Finding a New Home

The Merge Difference

Merge guided Margins through a focused, founder-friendly process that matched Jesse’s timeline and priorities. By positioning the agency’s strengths clearly, finding a buyer with genuine domain expertise, and supporting the transaction from first conversation through close, Merge helped Jesse step away confidently to pursue his next chapter while ensuring Margins landed with exactly the right person to carry it forward. The result is a well-matched acquisition built on shared expertise, operational continuity, and a clear path to growth.


DECODE

(01)Engagement
Overview

Strategic buyer acquires DECODE for growth.

Founded in 2013, DECODE is a specialized digital marketing agency with a focus on the healthcare and wellness industries. Based in Houston, Texas, DECODE has earned a strong reputation for delivering high-performance marketing solutions for SMBs and middle-market enterprises. The agency is deeply rooted in understanding the consumer wellness journey, which has been key to their ability to create effective marketing campaigns that resonate with the target audience.

DECODE has built long-term relationships with its clients, including a notable partnership with its largest client since its inception. With a strong team of 53 members, DECODE combines its expertise in digital media, strategy, creative, and technology to deliver integrated campaigns that drive measurable results. The agency has grown rapidly and is now seeking a strategic partner to help fuel its national expansion

(Details)

  • Engagement Sell-Side Representation
  • Type Full Sale
  • Category Over $10M, Content Marketing, Marketing & Advertising, Performance Marketing, Professional Services, Technology & IT Services, Paid Media & Lead Generation, Social Media, Digital Product & Web Development, SEO
  • Buyer Type Private Equity
  • Deal Size $10M-$25M
  • Services Valuation & Market Positioning, Buyer Targeting & Outreach, Offer & Negotiation Support, Due Diligence Management, Closing & Transition Support

(02)Inside The
Enterprise

Who Is DECODE ?

DECODE operates with a clear focus on the healthcare and wellness industries, offering a range of services from digital media buying to website development, SEO, content creation, and social media strategy. The agency is especially skilled in creating and executing omni-channel marketing campaigns, ensuring that each campaign is integrated across both traditional and digital media. DECODE has a strong in-house development team, which allows them to build customized solutions for clients and marry marketing expertise with technology.

Their deep understanding of the wellness journey, especially within the medical field, allows them to craft advertising programs that guide potential patients from consideration to conversion. The agency is equipped with a full tech stack for paid search, social media, and programmatic media buying, providing clients with greater transparency, flexibility, and cost efficiency.

(03)Founder's
Motive

The Why Behind The Sale

The founder of DECODE is seeking an acquisition partner to accelerate the agency’s growth and transition from a regional agency to a national powerhouse. With the infrastructure already in place for expansion, DECODE’s leadership team is eager to scale, tapping into new markets and clients within the health and wellness space. The founder is committed to staying on board post-acquisition and believes that an infusion of outside capital and expertise will allow DECODE to realize its full potential.

(04)Founder’s Vision

Criteria for the Perfect Acquisition Fit

The ideal buyer for DECODE is a firm with expertise in scaling agencies and a background in the healthcare and wellness industries. The buyer should have the resources to expand DECODE’s national reach and the capacity to help drive growth in new markets such as plastic surgery, dentistry, vitamins, and insurance. Additionally, the buyer should value DECODE’s strong creative and strategic foundation, and be committed to supporting the agency’s continued success by maintaining the team’s focus on delivering high-quality campaigns.

(05)Setting the Stage

Preparing DECODE for Acquisition

Merge positioned DECODE as a high-growth, high-margin agency with a proven track record in the healthcare and wellness sectors. The agency’s deep industry knowledge, strong client relationships, and ability to scale made it an attractive target for acquisition. With 45% of revenue coming from retainer clients, DECODE offers a stable, recurring revenue stream, which enhances its appeal to potential buyers.

(06)Attracting Suitors

Strategic Marketing of DECODE for Acquisition

Merge marketed DECODE as an agency with a unique expertise in healthcare and wellness marketing, showcasing its success in delivering top-tier campaigns for high-profile clients in the medical and wellness industries. By emphasizing the agency’s digital media expertise, strong leadership team, and proven ability to scale, Merge attracted several interested buyers looking to expand into the healthcare sector.

(07)Sealing the Deal

Perfect Matchmaking with the Ideal Buyer

DECODE was successfully acquired by Amulet Capital Partners, a buyer with the experience and resources to help the agency scale its operations nationally. Amulet Capital Partners recognized DECODE’s deep industry expertise and ability to deliver high-quality marketing campaigns in the healthcare and wellness sectors. Post-acquisition, Amulet has begun investing in DECODE’s expansion, positioning the agency for accelerated growth.

(08)Unlocking Synergies

Positive Impacts Post-Transaction

After the acquisition, DECODE expanded its service offerings and grew its client base across the U.S. With the support of Amulet Capital Partners, the agency has increased its national footprint and pursued new business opportunities in key wellness markets. The acquisition has created synergies that strengthen DECODE’s position as a premier marketing agency in the healthcare and wellness space.

(09)Finding a New Home

The Merge Difference

Merge played a key role in facilitating the acquisition of DECODE by Amulet Capital Partners, ensuring alignment on growth objectives. Through expert matchmaking and strategic guidance, Merge positioned DECODE for a successful acquisition, enabling the agency to scale quickly and reach its full potential. This acquisition underscores Merge’s expertise in connecting high-potential agencies with the right partners for long-term success.


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