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Gnomon: Acquired by Groupe EDH

For more than 25 years, Gnomon has stood as a pillar of excellence in digital-arts education, referred to as the ‘MIT of visual effects’ by Fast Company. Offering a robust range of educational opportunities, including a Bachelor of Arts degree, a two-year certificate program, and more than 100 specialized courses, Gnomon has consistently prepared students for success in the entertainment, gaming, and production, industries. With an impressive placement rate of 95%-100%, Gnomon alumni can be found at leading studios across the globe.

Gnomon sought a partner to help propel its legacy into the next era. The Evalla team members conducted a deeply personalized and competitive process, working closely with Gnomon to identify what mattered most: preserving its independence, safeguarding its cultural values, and finding a partner capable of enhancing its reputation and opportunities for growth. Evalla targeted a carefully curated group of public and private institutions. After several meetings, discussion and negotiations with various parties, Evalla advised and Gnomon chose a For-Profit-French Institution, Groupe EDH, as the most ideal acquirer.

Groupe EDH represented not just a financial match but a perfect strategic and cultural fit. Backed by Rothschild & Co’s Five Arrows Principal Investments, Groupe EDH combines financial stability with a forward-looking vision that aligns with Gnomon’s mission. Their global network of alumni, teachers, and partnerships offers unparalleled opportunities for collaboration, while their established international presence opens doors for Gnomon students to access global opportunities through institutions such as BRASSART and MoPA.

Evalla negotiated the Letter of Intent (LOI) and then transitioned to management of diligence while supporting legal in business negotiations within the documents. The team also helped to navigate the stringent regulatory and compliance challenges involved in the acquisition of a U.S. educational institution by an international partner. This included managing the requirements of the U.S. Department of Education and Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) while addressing the complexities of Gnomon’s recent campus relocation. Our hands-on approach and attention to detail enabled us to overcome each challenge, ensuring the transaction proceeded to a successful closing. Through this transaction, Evalla helped unlock a future where Gnomon can amplify its impact, both within the digital-arts community and on a global stage.

At Evalla Advisors, we are more than just dealmakers—we are trusted partners dedicated to protecting and elevating the legacy of our clients. Our ability to align vision, values, and opportunity is unmatched. Whether identifying the perfect strategic partner, solving complex regulatory challenges, or creating synergies that unlock future growth, Evalla ensures every client achieves success on their terms. For Gnomon, and for every client we serve, our mission is simple: to turn extraordinary potential into enduring success.

“Partnering with another organization was one of the most significant decisions in Gnomon’s history, and we knew we needed advisors who truly understood the importance of preserving our identity and values. The Evalla Advisors team brought not only a wealth of expertise but also an unparalleled level of care and commitment to finding the perfect partner. Their persistence in navigating the complexities of the deal—from regulatory challenges to operational hurdles—was instrumental in getting this transaction across the finish line. This deal simply would not have gotten done without Evalla’s relentless dedication to our vision. Thanks to their guidance, we found a partner in Groupe EDH that aligns seamlessly with our mission and positions Gnomon for a future of continued growth and success. We are immensely grateful to have had them by our side throughout this journey.”

– Alex Alvarez, Founder & President

OKRP Merged with Barkley

Pre-merger, O’Keefe Reinhard & Paul (OKRP) was well regarded in the industry as a new model, full-service creative advertising agency committed to getting results nobody else gets through a combination of strategy, collaboration, and soul. The agency was also a highly decorated leader in their space, having recently won Ad Age 2023 A-List Agency, 2019 A-List Standout Agency and 2021 Small Agency of the Year, Culture.

When the Evalla team was engaged to represent OKRP, the agency already had multiple interested parties. Through Evalla’s industry relationships, it was able to quickly bring additional potential partners to the table in a timely manner and then negotiate a premium value with several offers. Ultimately, OKRP selected Barkley, where OKRP’s creative capabilities synergistically elevated Barkley’s suite of offerings to create a new entity that leverages the award-winning power of both companies. Evalla then spearheaded the process and negotiations to efficiently drive the process to completion.

The merger of two of the fast-growing agencies, with proven track records for creating work that sparks with consumers and drives out-sized results for clients, has created BarkleyOKRP – one of the largest independent agencies in the country.

At Evalla, we go beyond the ordinary by leveraging our extensive network to bring a diverse array of potential buyers to the table. Our expertise lies in negotiating deals that not only provide strategic premium value but also align perfectly with our clients’ goals and aspirations. We pride ourselves on crafting agreements, and fostering partnerships, that drive growth and success for all parties involved, ensuring a mutually beneficial outcome that supports successful transactions and expansive ongoing relationships.

“When we were first approached to partner with another agency, we knew that we needed an advisor that we trusted and one that had a deep understanding and network within the marketing and creative sector. The Evalla team had that and were able to quickly bring additional partners to the table; do a deep dive to understand and increase our financial metrics; and negotiate several offers to maximize value and probability of future success with our organization and our new partners. We are thankful that the team was by our side throughout this process..”

– Nick Paul, Co-founder & President

Red Tettemer O’Connell + Partners: Acquired by Mod Op

Red Tettemer O’Connell + Partners (RTO+P) is a Philadelphia-based creative powerhouse. With more than two decades of experience, RTO+P is known for creating unforgettable experiences for clients, for its unconventional spirit, and for its award-winning creative work. The agency specializes in brand strategy, brand-shifting creative, social/digital strategy and creation, content production, and influencer & talent Management – creating hundreds of pieces of unique content a month, plus installations, activations and big, bold brand experiences.

Evalla’s team was introduced to RTO+P, pre COVID. Evalla introduced the Agency to several interested parties but at the time, there was no one who could offer the Agency a partnership that would allow them to grow in the strategic direction they wanted while keeping the strong culture that had been nurtured for over 20 years. When COVID hit, these discussions were put on hold while the world waited. In 2023, RTO+P was not looking for a partner, however Evalla presented Mod Op as an agency they had done business with previously and knew well, with the belief this Independent would fit more strategically than previous parties, and therefore would create a more valuable partnership. This was the case. The strategic acquisition of RTO+P by Mod Op was completed at the end of 2023 and announced in 2024. A month later, Carla Mote, Managing Partner, said, “The Mod Op culture is actually much closer to ours than I realized and in a good way”. This is what Evalla defines as success.

Mod op is a full-service digital marketing agency offering services for both B2C and B2B markets that includes strategy and execution for creative, communications, technology, and digital media, as well as other digital marketing services. Prior to the transaction, Mod Op focused primarily on digital services, with a limited emphasis on creative offerings. RTO+P will now serve as the agency’s creative engine, complementing Mod Op’s sophisticated data science, digital services and AI capabilities, and further establishing Mod Op as the marketing agency that merges domains to unlock transformational growth for clients.

At Evalla, our mission extends beyond simple transactions. We strive to find the perfect match for our clients, where cultures align seamlessly and all parties involved are delighted with the outcome. We prioritize not just a deal, but a harmonious partnership that leads to mutual satisfaction and success.

“For us, the most important piece of exploring an acquisition was having a partner who understood exactly what we were looking for in a buyer. We built our company and our culture from scratch over almost thirty years and for us, selling was more personal than financial. Lori and the Evalla team made it their biz to understand who we were and then made it a priority to only introduce organizations who were firmly in our wheelhouse. That kind of care and understanding was everything for us, and lead to a new partner and a deal that has thrilled us for what is next.”

– Steve Red, Founder

“Lori and the team at Evalla took the time to hear what we were looking for in a partner and only made intros that felt aligned with our business goals, culture and values. They were tremendous guides through the complex acquisition process. It’s so intense emotionally and just an all-around grind to close – they were there any time, every day.”

– Carla Mote, Managing Partner

Mod Op Makes First International Acquisition with Purchase of Toronto-Based Agency, Context Creative

Acquisition marks sixth in five years and integration of second international office

MIAMI – January 17, 2023 – Mod Op, a strategic marketing, design and communications agency with offices across the U.S. and an office in Latin America, announces its first international acquisition, Context Creative, a Toronto-based, full-service creative agency. Context Creative will become Mod Op’s second non-U.S.-based office alongside its office in Panama.

“The addition of Context Creative to our team brings us more than just an experienced group of professionals, it’s also our first acquisition of an agency outside of the U.S.,” said Eric J. Bertrand, CEO, Mod Op. “This is the logical next step for our agency and enables us to offer our clients the well-known benefits of cross-border business relationships. Context Creative’s well-rounded staff and expertise in the renewable energy and government sectors make it a perfect fit for Mod Op.”

For more than two decades, Context Creative has worked collaboratively with clients to solve branding and communications challenges across sectors most critical to society and the economy, including energy, healthcare, manufacturing, transportation, education and financial. Beyond award-winning creative, the agency specializes in formulating results-driven strategies and applying design thinking to deliver highly effective B2B and B2C communications across all media channels and in multiple languages.

“When approached from the right context, every challenge becomes an opportunity, and it is through creative thinking, collaborative insights, purposeful design and robust communications experience that we answer our clients’ diverse needs,” said Lionel Gadoury, Founder and Principal, Director of Strategy and Creative Services, Context Creative. “With our integration into the Mod Op team, our clients will benefit from an even broader range of services and new areas of expertise, ensuring we can achieve client goals even quicker and more efficiently.”

The Context Creative office, located in downtown Toronto, will become Mod Op’s Canadian headquarters. As part of the transition, Lionel Gadoury and the agency’s Principal, Director of Client Services, Cate Jevons, will join the Mod Op team as Executive Vice President of Strategy & Creative, and Executive Vice President of Client Experience, respectively. The transaction was facilitated by, investment banking group, Evalla Advisors.

Quiverr: Acquired by Advantage Solutions

Quiverr is a digital agency that provides total ecommerce turnkey solution. Leveraging its years of experience and expertise helping brands navigate the ever-evolving Amazon ecosystem so that brands can actually focus on doing what they do best. Quiverr’s Amazon expertise spans from Amazon Search Engine Optimization (ASEO), brand management, conversion rate optimization and channel management to logistics and product distribution.

The Evalla team met Quiverr years prior to the transaction and instantly fell in love with both the company’s culture and its value proposition to consumer brands. As the relationship developed, we provided guidance in areas we felt would bring the most value to Quiverr during a sell-side process.

When Quiverr was ready to sell, our team conducted a strategic and exhaustive search process to find a buyer who best understood and strategically fit with Quiverr’s growth strategy and culture. After the sale, the Quiverr team has continued to grow in their professional careers and continue to be entrepreneurial, making an impact at Advantage and within their own personal investments and goals.

We are much more than trusted advisors, building deep and lasting friendships with our clients. At Evalla, our relationships expand far beyond the scope of the transaction.

“Lori and Tong were thoughtful and persistent in their approach to selling Quiverr. Trusted advisors, their determination and tenacity resulted in the ideal buyer and optimal partner, allowing us to continue our extraordinary growth. They negotiated the best deal for us from a financial, professional and personal perspective. I highly recommend the Evalla team.”

– Brad Seipp, Co-Founder & CEO

“Our experience with the Evalla team exceeded all expectations. They have integrity, tenacity and the grit to negotiate the best deal. They are a badass firm with a soul.”

– Danny DeMichele, Chairman

Steril-Aire: Acquired by Madison Industries

As COVID-19 made its way around the world, we had the opportunity to engage with Steril-Aire, a fast-growing company that provides a UVC technology that essentially kills the ability for viruses to reproduce. Established over 25 years ago, significant changes were necessary in order to keep up with demand for its product.

An Evalla team member was engaged to help the shareholders capitalize on this opportunity by selling the company, allowing further expansion of this essential product into new markets and enabling increased indoor safety and significant value for shareholders.

With a limited time frame, we did a targeted search for a buyer who understood this sector and the technology. Out of several interested parties, Madison stood apart due to its similar ethical principles, its ability to creatively structure a transaction and the value it placed on this sort of technology. We played a significant role in managing the diligence and negotiation of the documents in order to close the transaction. The entire sales process was under six months.

During the earnout period, we continue to give guidance to the company and are grateful for lasting relationships with all parties.

“When COVID hit, my company’s sales quadrupled overnight and I saw an opportunity for an exit. I called Lori, and she jumped right in. We signed up Lori’s team in April, and within 6 months my company had a deal that was well beyond what any of the shareholders had ever hoped for. Lori and her team were there every step of the way. After preparing the Confidential Information Memorandum and sourcing more than 150 potential buyers, she chose the most optimal buyers to solicit. At the end of the day, she negotiated a great deal, shepherded us through the entire due diligence process and stayed on top of every detail to ensure that the deal would close. Lori is a bulldog, and that is exactly what we needed.”

– Eli Eisenberg, Founder & CEO

ideaology: Minority Buyout of Partner

ideaology is a creative and branding agency that focuses on increasing sales for brands through breakthrough advertising that cuts through the noise to drive engagement. The agency has been helping its clients for over 20 years and one of its partners was ready to retire.

The Evalla team was able to work with both parties to structure a transaction that allowed for a smooth transition by limiting any cash flow risk for the company, while paying the departing partner a fair value for the equity.

Post buyout, ideaology is thriving as a company with a new team structure and the ability to meet the creative demands of their clients. The Evalla team continues to give guidance as ideaology grows their revenue and profit and focuses on building the agency for the future.

“Having gone through a partner “divorce” in 1996, I can confidently say Lori made this process much easier and much less stressful. Lori is part banker, part wise business counselor and part shrink and we needed all three to get through the process as smoothly and amicably as we did.”

– Cary Sacks, Founder & Creative Director

Testimonials

“Lori assisted McGarrah Jessee in finding and structuring strategic partnerships that would allow us to grow our agency by broadening our focus to include tech and IT. She is extremely knowledgeable and has a deep understanding of our business and the industry. She was always available and ready to work through any issues with the partnership or guide us on any other part of the business.”

– Michael Polly, CFO, McGarrah Jessee

“Tong was instrumental in every step of the M&A process. He was extremely thorough in understanding every aspect of the business which led to him finding multiple buyers and achieving maximum value creation. Tong was and still is more than an advisor to me.”

– Isaac Verbukh, Founder & CEO, miVIP & oBand Surgery Centers

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