Media Company ✳︎

Our process is fast, easy to understand, and founder friendly.

Thinking about selling your media company? We’ll guide you from valuation to close with a smooth, white-glove process.

Whether you run a digital publication, content platform, or niche media brand, we help founders unlock the full value of what they’ve built. From expert valuations to curated buyer matches, we make the process stress-free and tailored to you.

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We like to sell Media Companies that have:

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Sustainable Margins

Above 15%

Funding

Healthy profit

From $500K to $5M

Successful operations

Successful operations

Of three years or longer

Funding for acquisitions for agencies

A positive and ethical approach

No sketchy stuff

And bonus points for businesses that have:

Offer Submitted

A simple business model

You can explain it to your parents

A unique advantage

A unique advantage

Like service offering or niche

A high-quality team

A high-quality team

A great team with a positive culture

Clear Criteria

Solid transition plan

Of 90 days or longer

Strong Customer Economics

Like a healthy subscriber growth rate, high engagement, and repeat advertiser or sponsor relationships

I’m ready to sell Within the next year

Operational Stability

Established content production workflows and a consistent publishing or distribution cadence

Small Agency

Brand IP or Differentiation

Think trademarks, owned formats, unique editorial voice, loyal audience, or exclusive content partnerships.

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Clean Metrics & Low Return Rates

Buyers love clarity — and low returns = high confidence

We work with founders who decide to sell their Media Company for the following reasons:

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Market Timing

Your audience is growing, revenue looks strong, and media valuations are up. It might be the perfect moment to sell your media company and lock in a high return before the market shifts.

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Operational Burnout

Managing content, partnerships, platforms, and monetization is no small feat. If you’re feeling the burnout, selling your media brand could be your path to freedom and a fresh start.

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Scaling Limitations

You’ve built something great, but taking it to the next level might require a bigger team, more capital, or new distribution. A strategic partner can help scale your media company faster and smarter.

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Industry Disruption

Shifting algorithms, changing ad models, and evolving audience behavior can shake things up fast. If your media company relies on a specific channel or traffic source, now might be the right time to sell before the landscape shifts even more.

Comparative Market Analysis

Life Changes

Family needs, health priorities, or a desire for a different lifestyle often lead founders to explore an exit — especially when the business is still performing well.

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New Ventures

Founders love to build. After scaling one media brand, many are ready to chase a new idea, start another project, or just take a break. Selling can free up time, energy, and capital for your next big thing.

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Team Transitions

Key team members may be moving on, or you might be ready to step back from managing writers, editors, or freelancers. If the media machine runs without you, it could be the perfect time to pass the baton.

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Exit Planning Strategies

Some founders build with a sale in mind. If your media brand has reached the right audience size, revenue level, and stability, now could be the right time to make your exit plan a reality.

Why Choose Merge - Agency M&A Advisors

Strategic Buyout

A compelling offer from a strategic buyer or aggregator can create a win-win situation that aligns with the founder’s goals — prompting a sale even if they weren’t actively seeking one.

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

Present Our Findings

Mistakes When Selling a Media Company: How to Avoid Deal-Killers and Maximize Value

Selling a media company can be a major win, but only if you avoid the common deal-killers. From messy financials and unclear IP rights to relying too heavily on one client or platform, the stakes are high. This guide breaks down the biggest mistakes media founders make when selling and how to avoid them. With the right prep, narrative, and buyer fit, you can unlock maximum value and a stress-free exit.

Present Our Findings

How to Sell a Media Company: A Step-by-Step Guide for Founders

Selling a media company takes more than listing it online and hoping for offers. From financial prep to finding the right buyer, every step matters. This guide breaks down how to sell a media company the smart way—with tips on timing, valuation, negotiation, and more. Whether you’re a content studio, publisher, or video agency, this step-by-step playbook helps you avoid missteps and maximize value.

Agency M&A Podcast

When to Sell Your Media Company: Timing Your Exit for Maximum Value

Knowing when to sell your media company can make or break your exit. This guide breaks down the signs you’re ready, what the market looks for, and how to time your sale for maximum value. Whether you’re growing fast or fielding buyer interest, learn how to align your personal goals, financials, and market trends to sell with confidence.

Sell An Agency

Valuing a Media Company: How to Determine What It’s Worth

Wondering what your media company is worth? This guide breaks down how media businesses are valued, what drives multiples, and how to increase your valuation before selling. From financials and audience metrics to IP and growth potential, learn what buyers look for and how to position your media brand for a high-value exit.

Buy An Agency

What Buyers Look for When Acquiring a Media Company

Acquiring a media company takes more than liking the content. Buyers evaluate financials, revenue streams, IP rights, operations, and brand loyalty before making an offer. This guide breaks down what matters most to strategic and financial acquirers and how founders can position their media business for a smooth, high-multiple exit.

Medium Agency

Taxes on Selling a Media Company: What Founders Need to Know

Thinking about selling your media company? Don’t let taxes catch you off guard. From deal structure and capital gains to QSBS and state-by-state rules, the tax impact can shape what you actually take home. This guide breaks it all down so you can prepare early, avoid surprises, and walk away with more money in your pocket.

Revise & Finalize

Preparing a Media Company for Sale: 10 Key Steps Before You List

Preparing your e-commerce business for sale takes more than good revenue. This 10-step guide covers valuation, legal prep, marketing, and negotiation tactics to help you maximize value, avoid common pitfalls, and attract the right buyers. Learn how to position your online store for a high-impact, smooth exit.

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Exit Strategy for a Media Company: Planning Ahead for a Smooth Sale

Planning an exit strategy for a media company starts well before a sale. This guide covers when to start, what buyers value, and how to time your exit for the best outcome. Whether you’re facing burnout or just exploring options, learn how to build a flexible, high-impact plan that protects your legacy and maximizes value.

We demystify M&A and simplify the process for media company founders.

Meet With Us
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Step 1: Initial Consultation

We kick things off with a confidential chat to understand your goals, timeline, and media business model. This helps us build a custom exit plan based on your content strategy, monetization mix, team structure, and ownership setup.

Present Our Findings

Step 2: Valuation

Our team performs a full valuation using your media company’s financials, revenue streams (ads, sponsorships, subscriptions), and current market trends. We analyze traffic sources, audience engagement, and margin health to determine a fair, data-backed asking price.

Agency M&A Podcast

Step 3: Market Positioning

We identify what makes your media brand stand out—loyal audience, high engagement, unique content verticals, or revenue diversity. Then we position your business to attract ideal buyers and maximize interest.

Merge M&A - M&A for agencies

Step 4: Preparation of Marketing Materials

We create a visually engaging, data-packed prospectus that highlights your media company’s story, content strategy, audience reach, revenue streams, and growth potential.

Acquisition Funding for agencies

Step 5: Buyer Identification and Screening

Using our curated buyer network, we match your media brand with serious, pre-qualified acquirers who understand the space and are actively looking for media businesses like yours.

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Step 6: Presentations and Meetings

We set up meetings with top buyer candidates and guide you through every interaction. You’ll feel confident sharing your story while we manage the logistics behind the scenes.

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Step 7: Negotiations and Offers

When offers roll in, we help you break them down, compare terms, and negotiate with confidence. Whether it’s cash at close, a transition plan, or an earn-out, we’ll help you secure the best deal for your media business.

Gathering Financial Information

Step 8: Due Diligence

We help organize all the key pieces—advertiser agreements, traffic and subscriber data, content ownership, and financials—to keep diligence smooth and stress-free. Our goal is to keep everything moving toward closing.

Agency acquisition funding

Step 9: Closing and Transition

We finalize documents, coordinate asset handoffs (think domains, ad accounts, content libraries), and guide you through a seamless close. Whether you’re stepping away or staying on short-term, we’ll make sure the transition feels effortless!

Our fee structure is simple, transparent, and aligned with your success.

During the engagement, while our team works to match your media company with the perfect buyer, you’ll pay a monthly retainer ranging from $5,000–$20,000 depending on the size and complexity of your business. When the deal closes, you pay a success fee equal to 10% of the cash consideration received at closing. No hidden fees, no surprises—just a structure designed to keep everyone incentivized and focused on your best outcome.

Start The Process
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Our Strategic Engagements Are Designed to Maximize Your Exit.

Our three signature engagements go beyond traditional M&A advisory, helping media founders confidently navigate every stage of selling their business. Backed by deep industry knowledge and a proven track record, each one is tailored to meet your company’s unique goals. Whether you're preparing for a sale, fielding inbound buyer interest, or ready to go to market, our process delivers clarity, confidence, and the best possible return.

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1. Valuation Only

(Understand & Assess)

For founders curious about what their media company is worth, this engagement delivers a clear, data-backed valuation using industry benchmarks and performance metrics. You’ll walk away with the clarity and confidence to decide if, when, and how to sell—no pressure, just insights.

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Get a Valuation

2. Transaction Support

(Advise & Execute)

If you already have a buyer at the table, we’ll jump in to guide you through the deal. We help structure terms, negotiate price, manage diligence, and protect your interests through closing. It’s expert support without the full-market process.

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I want to sell in 2.5 years

3. Full Go-to-Market Representation

(Prepare & Represent)

This is the full-service, white-glove experience for media company founders. We handle everything from valuation, positioning, and buyer outreach to negotiations and closing. You can stay focused on growing your audience and monetizing content while we manage the entire exit process. It’s the ideal option for founders looking for top-dollar offers, the right strategic fit, and a seamless transition.

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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.

Some Merge Lovin' 💛

  • Erika Taylor
    Erika Taylor
    General Manager
    Linkflow
    Working with Merge to sell Linkflow was an outstanding experience. The team demonstrated deep M&A knowledge while remaining incredibly responsive and supportive throughout. I was initially nervous about due diligence, but Merge streamlined the process and made it surprisingly manageable. Hannah Sibel was fantastic—always quick to troubleshoot with positive energy and expertise. What impressed me most was their balanced guidance—they offered valuable insights without ever pushing us into decisions. I would recommend Merge without hesitation to any agency considering a sale. 10/10 experience!
  • Greg Derr
    Greg Derr
    Chief Financial Officer
    The Harkey Group
    Working with Merge was a game-changer for the sale of Nomadic Agency. As M&A newcomers, we needed full-service support—sourcing buyers, managing valuation, and handling negotiations—and Merge delivered. Their expertise secured the best deal, and they guided us through the diligence process with confidence and clarity. Special thanks to Hannah and Ethan for their professionalism and responsiveness. Merge made a complex sale feel seamless. I highly recommend them to any founder considering a sale.
  • Josh Elkin
    Josh Elkin
    Founder
    Linkflow
    Working with Merge was an excellent experience from start to finish. Their extensive network brought a diverse pool of qualified buyers, giving me options to find the perfect match for Linkflow. Throughout every phase—valuation, outreach, negotiation and closing—they were communicative, responsive and genuinely helpful. It was a pleasure working with a team that truly knows their stuff and prioritizes your goals. I highly recommend Merge to anyone looking to sell their digital marketing agency!
  • Scott Park
    Scott Park
    Founder & CEO
    Mooko
    Merge was constantly following up and on top of things for all partners and delivered results on time. Merge provided insights, a strong team, and the highest quality of buyers to facilitate a successful acquisition for Mooko. What I found most impressive was their team and pool of investors and buyers. Their hands-on approach and transparent communication made the entire process seamless and stress-free.
  • Daryl Hively
    Daryl Hively
    Founder & CEO
    Guarantee Digital
    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 LOIs 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. Their expert guidance and proactive outreach made the entire process smooth and efficient.
  • Brandon Jones
    Brandon Jones
    Managing Director
    PPC SideKick
    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, providing valuable insights and guidance tailored to PPC SideKick’s 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.
  • Hayley Berlent
    Hayley Berlent
    Founder & CEO
    Additive Agency
    As a founder, deciding whether to sell a business — how and to whom — is deeply personal. That’s why I’m so grateful to have worked with Merge every step of the way. From conducting a valuation to pursuing the sale, the team took the time to understand my ambitions and fears. They guided me through the process with clarity and confidence — from developing marketing materials and curating buyers to facilitating the deal for Additive Agency. In the end, I found the perfect match: operational independence with access to capital and a broader support ecosystem for growth. I will forever be grateful for taking us to the next level.
  • Kim Grob
    Kim Grob
    Founding Partner
    Right On
    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. Their deep industry expertise and personalized approach gave us confidence at every turn. Thanks to their proactive communication and expert negotiation, we closed the deal quickly and exceeded our valuation expectations. Right On is a better agency because of them.
  • Ermis Sfakiyanudis
    Ermis Sfakiyanudis
    Chief Operating Officer
    Uproar Pr
    Working with Merge on the Uproar PR sale was outstanding. From day one, they mapped out a clear process and executed it flawlessly. Led by Sophie Kaldenhoven, the team anticipated challenges, handled complex negotiations, and kept everything on track from valuation through closing. Their deep agency expertise made a complicated deal feel straightforward. I’m thrilled with the result and would highly recommend Merge to any agency owner considering a sale.
  • Ibrahim Zafar
    Ibrahim Zafar
    Founder & CEO
    Lens End Media
    Working with the Merge team on the sale of Lens End Media 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.
  • Mark Spera
    Mark Spera
    Co-Founder
    Growth Marketing Pro
    We had an excellent experience working with Merge. Their super-smooth onboarding brought a wide range of interested buyers and helped us navigate each prospect’s intentions. Ultimately they found the perfect match for a majority buyout for Growth Marketing Pro we didn’t think was possible. We received eight to ten serious inquiries, generated four to five LOIs, and closed the deal. The process took time, as good things do, but Merge’s support made it enjoyable every step of the way.
  • Elisabeth Edelman
    Elisabeth Edelman
    Founder + CEO
    Golden World
    I could not have sold my PR and social media agency, Golden World 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.

What

The

FAQ

We specialize in selling digital media, content, and production companies with strong audience engagement, recurring or diversified revenue, clean financials, and solid team structures.

We typically use EBITDA multiples alongside an analysis of revenue trends and media-specific benchmarks like audience engagement, monetization strategy, platform mix, and recurring revenue. Our approach reflects how real buyers assess value in today’s media M&A market.

Yes — confidentiality is core to our process. We use blind listings, vetted NDAs, and structured buyer communication to ensure your brand and team aren’t exposed until the right time.

We’ve built a curated network of strategic buyers, media groups, private equity firms, and high-net-worth individuals actively looking to acquire media companies. On top of that, we run targeted, personalized outreach to find the perfect buyer based on your brand’s size, audience, monetization model, and growth potential. Whether you’re in digital publishing, production, or content licensing, we know who’s buying.

That’s totally fine. Many founders come to us just to understand their valuation or exit options. We’ll give you honest insights and a roadmap, so when the time is right, you’re prepared.

We charge a monthly retainer during the engagement and a success fee based on the cash you receive at closing. Our structure is aligned to get you the best outcome — no hidden costs, ever.

Most media company sales take 4 to 6 months from kickoff to close, but the timeline depends on your financials, content assets, and how prepared you are. We’ll move at your pace and help you stay organized every step of the way to keep things smooth and efficient.

Start by tidying up your financials, tracking revenue by content stream or channel, and minimizing founder involvement in day-to-day operations. Document your key workflows—whether that’s production, publishing, or partnerships—and clarify team roles. We’ll handle the rest and help you shine for buyers.

We do the heavy lifting — outreach, vetting, negotiations — so you can focus on running your business. You’ll join key calls and review offers, but we keep things efficient and founder-friendly.

That depends on your goals and the buyer’s needs. Some founders transition out quickly; others stay on during an earn-out. We’ll help structure the post-sale plan that works best for you.