Marketing Agency M&A: How Agencies Scale Faster with Acquisitions, Multiple Expansion & the Buy-Then-Build Strategy

UNLOCK THE 13 SYSTEMS EVERY AGENCY OWNER NEEDS TO REACH 8 FIGURES:https://bit.ly/41Sm05NIn this episode, Jordan Ross sits down with M&A leaders Matt Bodnar and Tom Shipley to unpack how digital marketing agencies can use mergers and acquisitions as a true force multiplier for growth. They discuss why agencies should operate like holding companies to boost valuation, how multiple expansion accelerates wealth creation by acquiring businesses at lower multiples and rolling them into a higher-multiple entity, and the foundational principles behind successful M&A—from resourcefulness and smart leverage to risk mitigation and the power of strong networks. Matt and Tom also break down the “Buy Then Build” playbook, sharing practical strategies for sourcing targets, structuring deals, and uncovering hidden value within smaller service businesses. The episode wraps with an inside look at DealCon, their upcoming event designed to help founders master deal sourcing, offer structuring, and acquisition-driven scaling. A must-listen for agency owners ready to grow beyond services and build scalable, acquisition-powered companies.Chapters:— Introduction: Why M&A Matters for Agency Growth— Understanding M&A Philosophy & Real Use Cases— The Power of Multiple Expansion— The M&A Playbook & DealCon Overview— Risk Mitigation & Smart Deal Structuring— Closing Thoughts & Where to Learn MoreTo learn more go to 8figureagency.coReach Tom @ tshipley.comReach Matt @ mattbodnar.com