Professional Services ✳︎

Strategic guidance to sell a professional services business with confidence.

If you're looking to sell a professional services business, you need more than a generic exit strategy. You've built a reputation on expertise, client trust, and service excellence, your exit should reflect that. We help you value, position, and sell your business with precision, connecting you with qualified buyers who understand its true potential. This is a tailored, thoughtful process designed to ensure your professional legacy transitions into the right hands.

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 to sell an online business. 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.

Learn More
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.

Learn More
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.

Learn More

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. 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!

Erika Taylor

Erika Taylor, General Manager, Linkflow

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.

Greg Derr

Greg Derr, Chief Financial Officer, The Harkey Group

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 my business. 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!

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 its team and pool of investors and buyers. Their hands-on approach and transparent communication made the entire process seamless and stress-free.

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 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.

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—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. 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.

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. 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. We are a better agency because of them.

Kim Grob

Kim Grob, Founding Partner, Wearerighton

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.

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. 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 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.

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.