Sell A Business ✳︎

Expert guidance and a network of qualified buyers to help you value, position, and sell your business for maximum value with confidence.

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Strategic Engagements Designed to Maximize Your Exit.

Our three signature engagements go beyond traditional M&A advisory—they are designed to support you at every stage of the sale process. Backed by years of expertise and thousands of successful transactions, each engagement is tailored to align with your unique goals. Whether you’re preparing to sell, navigating offers, or finalizing a deal, our approach ensures clarity, confidence, and the best possible outcome.

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

1. Valuation Only

(Understand & Assess)

For founders seeking a clear understanding of their businesses worth, this engagement delivers a detailed, data-driven valuation, empowering you to make informed decisions about your next steps.

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Get a Valuation

2. Transaction Support

(Advise & Execute)

If a buyer has already approached you, this engagement provides expert M&A support to guide you through deal structuring, negotiation, due diligence, and closing with confidence and clarity.

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I want to sell in 2.5 years

3. Full Go-to-Market Representation

(Prepare & Represent)

For founders looking to maximize their value and market potential, this end-to-end engagement offers white-glove service, from valuation and market positioning to buyer outreach, negotiation, and closing.

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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.

E-Commerce & Retail

(Transforming Sales With Innovation & Strategic Partnerships)

The e-commerce and retail industry continues to evolve rapidly, driven by technological advancements and changing consumer behaviors. We partner with businesses that focus on delivering seamless shopping experiences, optimizing supply chains, and leveraging data to enhance customer engagement and drive growth.

Marketing & Advertising

(Driving Brand Growth & Engagement)

We partner with agencies and marketing firms that drive brand connections through digital marketing, branding, public relations, social media, and performance marketing, delivering measurable growth via strategic campaigns and creative execution. Our expertise spans media buying and SEO to experiential marketing, CRM strategy, and web design, enabling us to understand how these agencies scale, monetize, and elevate brand storytelling.

Media & Creators

(Elevating Voices & Amplifying Impact)

The media and creator landscape is transforming quickly, fueled by new platforms, shifting audience behaviors, and the rise of the creator economy. We collaborate with content creators, media companies, and production teams who are redefining how stories are told and consumed. From video and podcast production to digital publishing and streaming, we support creative professionals in building sustainable business models, expanding their reach, and deepening audience engagement.

Online Businesses & Websites

(Powering Digital Experiences & Scalable Growth)

Online businesses continue to grow in both reach and impact, as more creators, educators, and service providers build platforms to share knowledge, connect communities, and deliver value digitally. We partner with businesses focused on delivering engaging web experiences—from eLearning and digital products to membership sites and content-driven platforms. Our support helps these ventures enhance usability, grow their audiences, and create sustainable, scalable online models.

Professional Services

(Expertise That Drives Business Success)

We advise businesses across the professional services industry, where expertise is the product and relationships are key to growth. From accounting and legal to consulting, architecture, market research, and HR advisory, we understand the unique dynamics that drive value.

Technology & SaaS

(Innovating Growth Through Tech & Data)

Tech is no longer just a function, it’s the engine behind how modern businesses operate, grow, and compete. We partner with SaaS companies, MarTech platforms, AI and automation providers, and data-driven solutions that power smarter, more efficient operations. Our focus is on supporting tech innovators who are building tools that drive growth, streamline workflows, and deliver measurable impact across industries.

Some Merge Lovin' 💛

Working with Merge to sell our agency was an outstanding experience from start to finish. The entire team demonstrated deep knowledge of the M&A process while remaining incredibly responsive and supportive throughout our journey. I was initially nervous about the due diligence phase, expecting it to be labor-intensive and overwhelming. Instead, Merge streamlined the entire process and made it surprisingly manageable. In particular, Hannah Sibel was fantastic - she was always quick to help us troubleshoot any questions or concerns that came up, bringing positive energy and expertise to every interaction. What impressed me most was their balanced approach to guidance—they provided valuable insights on important considerations without ever making us feel pigeon-holed into decisions.  I would recommend Merge without hesitation to any agency considering a sale. 10/10 experience!

Erika Taylor

Erika Taylor, General Manager, Linkflow

Working with Merge was a game-changer for the successful sale of Nomadic Agency. As a business new to the M&A space, we needed a partner who could handle everything—sourcing buyer leads, managing the valuation process, and negotiating on our behalf. Merge was that partner.Their team was instrumental in securing the best deal for us and we couldn't have completed the sale without their expertise and support. The process, which could have been overwhelming, was made seamless thanks to their involvement. From acting as our advisor and negotiator to walking us through the complicated diligence process, Merge delivered on all fronts. The team at Merge, particularly Hannah and Ethan, were exceptional. They were highly professional, incredibly competent, and a pleasure to work with. I can't recommend them enough to anyone looking to sell their business.

Greg Derr

Greg Derr, Chief Financial Officer, The Harkey Group

Working with Merge was a great experience. Because of their large network, they were able to bring a wide range of buyers to the table, which gave me options to choose from and find a buyer who was a great fit for my business. They were very communicative and helpful at every phase of the process, and it was a pleasure working with them - they truly know their stuff! I highly recommend them to anyone looking to sell their digital marketing agency!

Josh Elkin

Josh Elkin, Founder, Linkflow

Merge was constantly following up and on top of things for all partners and delivered the results on time. Merge was able to provide insights, a strong team, and the highest quality of buyers to facilitate a successful acquisition. What I found most impressive was it’s team and pool of investors and buyers.

Scott Park

Scott Park, Founder & CEO, Mooko

They helped me find a buyer for my agency. Helped us establish a value, put a prospectus together, and marketed the business to their large list of possible buyers. We had four LOI's within two weeks, one that became our eventual buyer. Merge knew my industry, specialized in selling ad agencies, and had a list of buyers looking to make a purchase.

Daryl Hively

Daryl Hively, Founder & CEO, Guarantee Digital

What I found most impressive about this company was their exceptional professionalism, deep industry knowledge, and proactive communication. They consistently demonstrated a high level of expertise in their field, providing valuable insights and guidance tailored to our specific needs. Moreover, their proactive approach to communication ensured that we were always kept informed and engaged throughout the process, fostering a strong sense of trust and confidence in their abilities.

Brandon Jones

Brandon Jones, Managing Director, PPC SideKick

As a founder, deciding whether to sell a business or not, how and to whom is deeply personal. That’s why I am so grateful to have worked with the team at Merge every step of the way—and especially Hannah Sibel. From conducting a valuation, to pursuing the sale of the business, the Merge team took the time to understand my dreams, ambitions, hopes, and fears. Not only did they conduct a rigorous and realistic valuation, but they guided me through the sales process with clarity and confidence — from developing marketing materials to curating potential buyers to facilitating the deal. In the end, I found the perfect match for what we needed: operational independence, with access to the capital and a broader ecosystem of supports needed for growth. I will forever be grateful to Hannah and the Merge team for taking us to the next level.

Hayley Berlent

Hayley Berlent, Founder & CEO, Additive Agency

Merge stood by our side through every step of the sales process. They were so much more than a deal broker—they were our strategic advisors, fierce advocates, and loyal cheerleaders. We are a better agency because of them.

Kim Grob

Kim Grob, Founding Partner, Wearerighton

Working with the Merge team on the sale of Uproar PR was an exceptional experience. What initially drew me to Merge was their comprehensive approach - they laid out a detailed process from day one and executed it flawlessly throughout our engagement. Their team, spearheaded by Sophie Kaldenhoven, demonstrated remarkable preparation at every stage. From valuation to closing, they anticipated challenges, managed complex negotiations, and kept the process moving forward smoothly. Their expertise in the agency space and professional approach made a complex transaction feel manageable. I couldn't be more pleased with the outcome and would highly recommend Merge to any agency owner considering a sale.

Ermis Sfakiyanudis

Ermis Sfakiyanudis, Chief Operating Officer, Uproar Pr

Working with the Merge team on the sale of my business was great. They provided a clear roadmap from the very beginning. They have deep expertise and experience in the agency space so they walked me through the process effortlessly. Selling a business isn't easy - yet Merge made it feel manageable and successful. I highly recommend them to other agency owners looking to sell.

Ibrahim Zafar

Ibrahim Zafar, Founder & CEO, Lens End Media

We had an excellent experience working with Merge. The onboarding process was super smooth—they brought a lot of interesting buyers to the table and helped us navigate their intentions. Ultimately, they helped us find the right buyer for the business. We were actually really excited because we didn’t think it was possible to find someone interested in a majority buyout without acquiring the whole business, but Merge made that happen. Hannah was incredible throughout the process—super responsive, fast, and knowledgeable about deal terms and how these transactions typically work. We felt fully taken care of, and the Rolodex of buyers was really strong. I think we had around eight to ten serious inquiries, five or six highly interested buyers, which resulted in four or five LOIs, and ultimately, one closed deal. The whole process took time—as good things do—but we really enjoyed it.

Mark Spera

Mark Spera, Co-Founder, Growth Marketing Pro

I could not have sold my PR and social media agency 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

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

Understanding Valuation Methods for Marketing Agencies

Understanding Valuation Methods for Marketing Agencies

In the dynamic world of marketing agency acquisitions, determining the true value of an agency is a critical step for both buyers and sellers. Valuation methods play a pivotal role in this process, providing insights into an agency’s financial health, growth potential, and market positioning. While various valuation methods exist, a multiple of EBITDA remains the gold standard and preferred choice among buyers for its simplicity and reliability.

Financing Your Small Business Acquisition Options and Strategies

The 4 Types of Buyers in M&A—And What They’re Looking For

When selling your business, understanding the different types of buyers is key to getting the right deal. Each buyer—whether a strategic acquirer, private equity firm, search fund, or individual investor—brings unique goals, deal structures, and expectations that can impact your company’s future. At Merge, we help founders identify the right fit and maximize value by connecting them with buyers aligned with their goals, culture, and vision.