Buying an advertising agency in Switzerland
A useful first comparison of an advertising agency should connect the asking price with operating evidence, contractual rights and a workable transfer. Large accounts may be relationship-led, creative staff can depart and unpaid media or production commitments can exceed the agency's earned fee.
Revenue quality and capacity in an advertising agency
Separate agency fees from media turnover and compare retainers, project margin, utilisation, production mark-ups and client concentration over several years.
Contracts, assets and permissions for an advertising agency
Review client agreements, pitches in progress, media liabilities, talent and production contracts, creative ownership, awards usage and access to advertising accounts.
A workable first-day plan for an advertising agency
Handover each campaign with approved creative, budget, supplier commitments, usage rights, delivery dates and a joint client introduction.
Related acquisition routes for an advertising agency
Keep the search broad enough to find adjacent opportunities, then compare the same evidence across each listing. Continue with Marketing agency or Consulting & agencies, or return to all companies for sale.
Questions buyers ask about an advertising agency
What remains as agency income after media and production pass-through?
Separate agency fees from media turnover and compare retainers, project margin, utilisation, production mark-ups and client concentration over several years.
Who owns campaign concepts, source files and usage rights?
Review client agreements, pitches in progress, media liabilities, talent and production contracts, creative ownership, awards usage and access to advertising accounts.
Would the largest accounts stay without the current creative lead?
Large accounts may be relationship-led, creative staff can depart and unpaid media or production commitments can exceed the agency's earned fee.
Who controls budgets and supplier commitments during live campaigns?
Handover each campaign with approved creative, budget, supplier commitments, usage rights, delivery dates and a joint client introduction.