Calder Capital is elated to announce the acquisition of Brandworks Detroit of Ann Arbor, Michigan by Highland Group of Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Brandworks Detroit is a brand development and advertising agency dedicated to serving the marketing needs of southeast Michigan-based business-to-business firms. Before founding Brandworks in 2009, Jay Kargula was a partner and Creative Director for over 20 years at an advertising agency. After 15 years of dedication, Jay engaged Calder Capital’s Sell-Side team to transition into retirement.
Highland Group, “HG”, acquired Brandworks Detroit. The company is a brand and marketing studio based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The acquisition, led by CEO Scott Crowley, is a strong strategic fit that will bolster HG’s market presence and client base. Throughout the process, Jay and Scott developed a strong friendship which helped the deal run smoothly to closing.
“I think that we are very similar in customer base. We have service offerings that dovetail into each other, so we have more of a digital capability that they didn’t really have in Brandworks, and we really could help their clients grow with our digital capabilities. So that was the premise for our acquisition,” Crowley said.
Robert Stasiak of Calder Capital served as the lead Mergers and Acquisitions Advisor to Brandworks Detroit.
“The sale prioritized alignment with the seller’s largest customer. Personal trust between buyer and seller was crucial,” commented Calder M&A Advisor, Rob Stasiak. “This experience highlights the significance of quality human connections supported by a synergistic and talented advisory team.”
The Calder Capital team orchestrated a robust and efficient process, attracting the attention of 108 qualified buyers resulting in 5 serious offers.
“The Calder Capital marketing engine reached many to find the perfect buyer, in this case, a rare find. Brandworks did not have a physical location and the team was fully remote, so it took a bit of determination,” Rob added.
“Congratulations to the Brandworks and Highland teams on an excellent strategic partnership,” stated Calder Managing Partner, Max Friar. “Also, a big shout out to Calder Advisors Rob Stasiak for his head down, steadfast effort to bring the deal to a successful closing.”
“I’m sure this is something that all owners who sell their businesses go through. It can be difficult to sell a company if your employees aren’t along for the ride,” Kargula said. “(The transition has) been better than I could have imagined, quite frankly. I mean, it’s really been terrific, and it gets back to the culture issues and the values and what the people feel are important, and how they treat other people.”
Calder Capital served as the Exclusive Mergers & Acquisitions Advisor to Brandworks Detroit.
About Brandworks Detroit
Brandworks Detroit, founded in 2009, is a digital advertising agency focused on B2B marketing across various industries, such as automotive, healthcare, and manufacturing. They offer services like brand strategy, web design, advertising, and social media management, helping businesses achieve their goals with effective marketing solutions.
About Calder Capital
Founded in 2013, Calder Capital is a lower middle market investment bank providing mergers and acquisitions advisory services to business owners, entrepreneurs, family offices, and investors across the United States. Our dedicated team of professionals combines extensive industry experience, technological innovation, negotiation savvy, and key relationships to exhibit exceptional execution. Calder’s services include mergers and acquisitions advisory, private funds and capital markets advisory, and business valuations.
