Buy A Business ✳︎

Expert guidance and exclusive opportunities to help you find, evaluate, and acquire the right agency with confidence.

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Strategic engagements designed to find, evaluate, and acquire your ideal agency.

Our three signature engagements go beyond traditional buyer services—they are designed to support you at every stage of the acquisition process. Backed by years of expertise and thousands of successful transactions, each engagement is tailored to align with your unique goals. Whether you’re exploring opportunities, evaluating a target, or ready to close the deal, our programs deliver clarity, confidence, and results.

buyer-representation-and-deal-sourcing-in-the-marketing-agency-industry

1. On-Market Access

(Discover + Browse)

For buyers seeking a curated list of available agencies, this engagement provides exclusive access to the largest inventory of on-market deals globally, helping you find the right fit for your portfolio.

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Get a Valuation

2. Transaction Advisory

(Evaluate + Execute)

If you’ve already identified a target, this engagement offers expert guidance throughout the acquisition process, including valuation, negotiation, due diligence, and closing.

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I want to sell in 2.5 years

3. Off-Market Deal Sourcing

(Target + Acquire)

For buyers looking to access untapped opportunities, this engagement uses our proprietary ranking algorithm to identify and secure off-market deals that align with your acquisition criteria.

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Since 2015, we've guided over 1,000 businesses through valuations + acquisitions.

In the dynamic realm of M&A, experience isn't just a bonus—it's the key ingredient that empowers buyers and sellers to navigate the intricate process with assurance and also achieve their goals.

We Are Laser-Focused on a Few Select Industries

Industry expertise is the foundation of successful M&A. At Merge, we focus on a select group of industries where human capital drives value. Our deep sector knowledge allows us to connect buyers and sellers with precision, ensuring the right fit and optimal outcomes.

Digital Presence

1. Marketing & Advertising

(Driving Brand Growth & Engagement)

We work with businesses that shape how brands connect with audiences, including digital marketing, branding, public relations, social media marketing, performance marketing, and influencer marketing. These companies drive demand, build brand equity, and create measurable growth through strategic campaigns and creative execution.

Merge group jumping together

2. Media & Content Production

(Storytelling Through Visual & Digital Media)

From video production and animation to podcasting, web design, and content marketing, media and content production businesses play a crucial role in storytelling and brand engagement. Our expertise in this space ensures a deep understanding of how these companies operate, monetize, and scale.

Valuation For Agency

3. Technology & IT Services

(Innovating Growth Through Tech & Data)

Tech-driven businesses are transforming how companies grow and operate. We focus on SaaS, marketing technology (MarTech), IT services, managed service providers (MSPs), AI and automation, and data analytics—helping buyers and sellers navigate a rapidly evolving landscape where technology meets strategy.

Podcast for Agency M&A marketing agency podcast

4. Professional Services

(Expertise That Drives Business Success)

Consulting and professional service firms provide the expertise businesses rely on to drive growth and efficiency. We work with firms specializing in market research, business strategy, management consulting, and HR and talent advisory—sectors where knowledge, networks, and human capital drive value.

Some Merge Lovin' 💛

I could not have sold my PR and social media <a href="https://goldenword.co/">agency</a> without Merge. I know this to be true because I tried! When I partnered with Merge, they gave me leverage I could not access when selling on my own. They helped price and list the business, connect me with loads of qualified buyers and navigate me through the sales and negotiation process. Ultimately, I sold the company at asking price and within the timeframe Merge predicted, all to a wonderful buyer who is elevating the firm.

Elisabeth Edelman

Elisabeth Edelman, Founder + CEO, Golden World

Merge was a fantastic group to work with. I had the pleasure of working on the buy and sell side with them. They were spot on in terms of valuation for my business and did what they said they would when they said they would. I love their data driven approach as well as the digital ecosystem to manage the process from beginning to end. Beyond that, they are just great humans that make a potentially stressful process much more enjoyable<a href="https://gomerge.com/">.</a>

James Schiefer

James Schiefer, Founder & CEO, SCS

By far the most outstanding element to Merge's work is the people. Never have I felt so supported and that the team I worked with actually cared not only about the deal, but how I was feeling throughout the whole process. I was shown guidance through the due diligence process and options were discussed and presented, not directed. The phone calls I received from the team just to check in to see how I was feeling and handling the process made all the difference.

Brett Sirianni

Brett Sirianni, Founder, Social Supply Co.

When we decided to sell our agency, we initially started down the traditional path of securing an individual broker to connect us with prospective buyers. Our choices were limited. Then we discovered Merge and realized how antiquated traditional practices had become. We loved the accelerated process and the idea of listing our agency to a larger network of pre-qualified buyers, much like you would a home on the MLS.

Jim Kessler

Jim Kessler, Founder, Candor PR

Using Merge during our acquisitions of The Boston Group was a game-changer. Their approach and experience working with agencies streamlined the process, making it significantly more efficient and effective. The insights and analytics provided by Merge enabled us to make well-informed decisions quickly while ensuring we fully understood the value and risks involved<a href="https://gomerge.com/">.</a>

Matt Naffah

Matt Naffah, Partner & COO, Isovera

This was not the first time we transacted with a Merge-listed company, but one thing remained consistent: the Merge team takes time to understand the people behind the transaction. In addition to managing a smooth process, they focused on developing a partnership between buyer and seller – that alignment was critical to the deal.

Mathew Landon

Mathew Landon, Managing Partner, Contour Ridge

I thoroughly enjoyed working with the Merge team to close the transaction. From start to finish I had a personalized experience and appreciated their ability to navigate the due diligence process and manage expectations for both parties. The team was organized, communicative and proactive in keeping up momentum and pushing the deal across the finish line.

Nick Fraunfelder

Nick Fraunfelder, Founder & Managing Partner, AJAX

The big surprise at Merge was the team assigned to us. They were personable, intelligent, and driven. They sought to understand our priorities with unparalleled care and commitment, having our backs at every step of our successful journey. One year later, we still maintain contact with Cally Carbone and Molly McCartan, whom we consider treasured friends. Hi-tech AND hi-touch. You don’t find that very often. Whether buying or selling, Merge brings incredible value to the process.

Karen Wicker

Karen Wicker, Founder, Candor PR

The Merge team was great to work with throughout our search and acquisition process. From start to finish, they were very responsive and kept the process moving along nicely. I’ve only had positive interactions with the team to date with both our acquisition of SketchDeck and other opportunities that we have shown interest in.

Tyler Zara

Tyler Zara, Senior Vice President, Morgan Stanley

Selling our business was a complex process, and choosing the right acquisition broker was crucial. Fortunately, we partnered with Merge, and it proved to be an excellent decision. From the initial consultation, the Merge team was incredibly responsive. They were always available to answer our questions and address our concerns, no matter how big or small. This responsiveness provided us with much-needed peace of mind throughout the process.

Michelle Gerster

Michelle Gerster, Co-Founder & COO, Joybyte

The Joybyte acquisition was the second transaction that came through Merge. In both cases the sellers were very well prepared as we entered due diligence. The Barney team kept the process moving and made sure that all parties hit important deadlines so that nothing slowed down the process. Both closing occurred on time with little to not adjustments or surprises. It is a pleasure doing business with the Merge team.

Scott Brandon

Scott Brandon, Owner & CEO, The Brandon Agency

Don’t go at this alone. Use our resources. Get inspired by our market guides and let’s tackle this together.

Funding an acquisition in the agency space

The Digital Agency M&A Boom: Why Buyers Are Flocking to Agencies in 2025

In this blog post, we’ll explore the key drivers of the digital agency M&A boom, the implications for the industry, and what businesses should consider when navigating this evolving landscape.

Get funding for acquisition

The Future of SBA Lending for Acquiring Service-Based Businesses in 2025

This guide covers everything you need to know about SBA loans, including who qualifies, what terms to expect, how much the SBA is willing to lend, and how to increase your chances of approval.