[Podcast] How to Sell or Buy a Digital Agency the Right Way
Corey Quinn
Founder, Deep Specialization™
Azim Nagree, Head of M&A at Herringbone Digital, challenges the idea that agencies need to be big for M&A, sharing why specialized agencies command higher EBITDA multiples.
Is your agency too small for M&A? Azim Nagree, friend and previous Scorpion colleague–now Head of M&A at Herringbone Digital–challenges this common misconception and shares why acquisition strategies can work for agencies of all sizes.
In this value-packed conversation, Azim breaks down:
Why knowing your "WHY" is critical before pursuing any M&A opportunity
How specialized agencies can command 1-3x higher EBITDA multiples
Practical strategies for both buyers and sellers in the agency space
The right way to handle communication with employees and clients during transitions
Whether you're considering buying, selling, or just curious about future growth options, this episode delivers actionable insights from someone who's guided numerous successful agency transactions.
As always, I'd love to hear your thoughts after you've listened. What strategy from Azim's playbook might you consider implementing?
🎧 Listen to the episode now:
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Best,
CQ
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it true that an agency needs to be a certain size before M&A becomes a real option?
Not according to Azim Nagree, who directly challenges this common misconception, arguing that acquisition strategies can work for agencies of all sizes, not just larger ones.
Why does knowing your "WHY" matter before pursuing any M&A opportunity?
Because clarity on the underlying motivation shapes the entire approach to a transaction, whether buying or selling, a foundational consideration discussed as critical before getting into the practical mechanics of a deal.
Why can specialized agencies command 1-3x higher EBITDA multiples?
Because specialization signals depth and differentiation that acquirers value more highly than a generalist business, translating directly into a stronger valuation during an M&A process.
What does Azim Nagree recommend for handling communication with employees and clients during a transition?
A specific, right way to handle these sensitive conversations, discussed directly in the episode as a critical part of managing an acquisition smoothly rather than leaving communication as an afterthought.
Who is this episode most useful for?
Anyone considering buying or selling an agency, or simply curious about future growth options, offering actionable insight from someone who's guided numerous successful agency transactions firsthand.
About Corey Quinn
Founder, Deep Specialization™
Corey helps founder-led agencies scale through Deep Specialization™ and programmatic M&A. Former CMO of Scorpion ($20M to $200M). Author of "Anyone, Not Everyone."
