Rapid and repeatable value creation

Programmatic M&A.

Systematic acquisition programme advisory for serial acquirers: building repeatable deal flow and integration capability following the system, methodology and playbooks designed by Digital Agency Business founder, Peter Lang.

The Approach

What is Programmatic M&A?

Programmatic M&A is a disciplined, repeatable approach to acquisitions. Rather than pursuing one-off opportunistic deals, it involves building a systematic capability to identify, evaluate, acquire and integrate businesses at pace. It's the strategy behind many of the most successful acquirers in professional services.

The method is a six-step programme, undertaken by agency principals, with board-level guidance and advice by experts in agency M&A. Each adviser works with no more than two businesses at a time so the commitment to success is real and interests are aligned to outcome. It requires significant commitment from both sides, but it's a proven process for rapidly building shareholder value leading ultimately to a higher value and more successful business exit for clients.

The Methodology

Six pillars of execution.

01

Find

Define your ideal acquisition profile and build a proprietary pipeline to identify and source high-quality acquisition targets that align with your strategic goals.

02

Outreach

Contact agency owners directly with a compelling, non-broker approach to build a pipeline that brings you off-market opportunities.

03

Evaluate

Conduct thorough due diligence to assess financial health, operational quality, strategic fit and value delivery.

04

Finance & Deal Structure

Design creative deal structures using sophisticated corporate finance techniques that work for both buyer and seller to balance risk.

05

Close

Navigate the closing process from LOI or Heads of Terms through to final signatures with confidence and clarity.

06

Integrate

Successfully merge operations, teams, and clients to realise the full value of the acquisition.

Who This Is For

Built for serial acquirers.

Programmatic M&A isn't just for PE-backed platforms and established groups. Ambitious independents are also now able to build scale through acquisition using exactly the same techniques. If you're small, start small - probably with an acquihire, but as you grow, so should the size of your targets.

Ready to build your acquisition engine?

Let's discuss how a programmatic approach could accelerate your growth strategy.
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Frequently asked questions

How can I structure an acquisition to manage risk and preserve upside?
Risk can be managed through staged consideration, earn-outs linked to EBITDA or gross profit, equity rollover for leadership continuity, and clearly defined working capital mechanisms. Well-designed structures align incentives while protecting downside exposure. Reviewed and verified by Hunter Hawes, Principal.
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How do I source off-market creative agency acquisition targets?
Target sourcing combines structured market mapping, longlisting of qualified firms, and discreet founder outreach; including cultural fit identification, initial confidential communication, and preliminary synergy assessments; followed by qualification discussions. Off-market engagement increases alignment, reduces auction pressure, and improves control over valuation and deal structure.
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How should I define an acquisition strategy for a creative agency?
An effective acquisition strategy begins with a clear investment thesis, defining target revenue range, sector focus, capability gaps, geographic priorities, margin profile, and integration intent. Clear criteria reduce wasted outreach and prevent reactive deal-making driven by opportunity rather than strategy.
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How does an adviser align the transaction with long-term shareholder objectives?
Smaller creative firms often lack internal transaction infrastructure. A structured process, including buyer mapping, disciplined outreach, staged disclosure, and coordinated diligence management, reduces disruption to trading performance whilst maintaining deal momentum and confidentiality.
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