Founded in 2007 by Dave and Carrie Kerpen, Likeable Media quickly became one of the first pure-play social media agencies, known for its exceptional service and a highly skilled team. Over the years, it has grown into an iconic firm, recognized for its fast service and guaranteed likeability in the realm of social media. Based in New York City, Likeable Media has built an impressive client roster including big names like JetBlue and GrubHub, and its strong company culture has earned it multiple recognitions as one of the best places to work in New York City.
Inside the Enterprise: Who Is Likeable Media?
Likeable stands out for its ability to intuitively harness social insights, crafting tailor-made strategies that resonate with audiences and establish strong connections between brands and their consumers, evidenced by its long-standing relationships with renowned clients. Similarly, Likeable Media sets itself apart with its pioneering approach in social media marketing, offering a unique blend of creative storytelling and data-driven insights to deliver content that not only resonates deeply with audiences but also consistently achieves measurable results for its diverse clientele.
CEO and co-founder Carrie Kerpen was keenly aware of the ongoing consolidation in the agency space and recognized the perfect opportunity to make a strategic exit. Her vision was to hand over Likeable Media to a strategic buyer who could not only continue its legacy but also enhance service offerings and drive digital transformation for its brands.
Founder’s Vision: Criteria for the Perfect Acquisition Fit
Carrie sought a buyer whose values aligned with Likeable’s: a commitment to diversity and inclusion, a focus on impactful global contributions, and the capability to provide substantial value to clients through digital transformation. She envisioned a future-focused buyer who could help businesses scale and reimagine their potential.
Setting the Stage: Preparing Likeable Media for Acquisition
Likeable Media stood out for its fast service, expert knowledge of social media trends, and its unique Content Cubed™ process for social media content creation. As a leader in branded social programming, Likeable’s innovative approach and high client renewal rate underscored its readiness for acquisition.
Attracting Suitors: Strategic Marketing of Likeable Media for Acquisition
Understanding Likeable Media’s unique position in the market, Merge embarked on a mission to find a perfect-fit buyer. They thoroughly assessed Likeable’s value and crafted marketing materials that highlighted its expertise, client satisfaction, and potential for growth, attracting interest from suitable buyers.
Sealing the Deal: Perfect Matchmaking with the Ideal Buyer
The ideal buyer for Likeable Media turned out to be 10Pearls, a Washington, D.C.-based technology company. This partnership was marked by a shared commitment to gender equity, diversity, and global impact, aligning perfectly with Likeable’s core values.
Unlocking Synergies: Positive Impacts Post-Transaction
Joining forces with 10Pearls, Likeable Media gained access to a broader range of capabilities in brand thinking, customer experience, and digital marketing. This merger promised to enhance Likeable’s service offerings, providing more value to clients and amplifying their capacity for true digital transformation.
Finding a New Home: The Merge Difference
Merge played a crucial role in this acquisition, aligning Likeable Media’s unique needs with a buyer that shared its values and vision. Their expertise in the M&A space facilitated a smooth transition, ensuring that Likeable Media found a new home where it could continue to thrive and evolve in the digital era.
