Marketing Agencies for Sale in Canada
Canada is a growing agency M&A market benefiting from a strong economy, multicultural society, proximity to the US, and favorable tax provisions for small business sales. Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal are the primary markets, with specialized agencies in Calgary (energy), Ottawa (government), and other cities.
With 5,000+ marketing agencies, Canada offers a wide range of acquisition and sale opportunities across agency types, sizes, and specializations. Whether you are looking to buy an agency in this market or sell your existing Canada-based business, understanding the local dynamics is essential to achieving the best possible outcome.
The Canada Agency Market
The Canada agency market is driven by demand from major industries including financial services, technology, mining and resources, retail, healthcare, government, real estate, telecommunications. This industry mix creates demand for specialized marketing services and sustains a diverse agency ecosystem. Local agencies have developed particular strength in bilingual marketing (English/French), financial services marketing, tech marketing, multicultural marketing, cross-border campaigns.
M&A activity in the Canada market has been increasing, driven by PE firms looking for platform acquisitions, strategic buyers seeking geographic or capability expansion, and individual buyers attracted to the market’s growth potential. Deal sizes in this market typically range from $500K to $10M+, with larger transactions for established agencies with blue-chip client rosters.
Why Buy a Marketing Agency in Canada
- Favorable USD/CAD exchange rate creating value for US acquirers
- Bilingual capabilities (English/French) serving diverse markets
- Strong tech ecosystem (Toronto-Waterloo, Vancouver, Montreal)
- Proximity to US market enabling cross-border service delivery
- Lower operating costs than comparable US markets
Why Sell Your Agency in Canada
- Lifetime Capital Gains Exemption providing significant tax-free gains
- Growing US buyer interest in Canadian agencies
- Active local M&A market with Canadian PE firms and holding companies
- Cross-border client relationships enhancing agency value for US acquirers
Typical Agency Valuations in Canada
| Agency Type | Revenue Range | Typical EBITDA Multiple |
|---|---|---|
| Digital Marketing | $500K – $5M | 4-7x |
| Creative / Branding | $500K – $5M | 3-5x |
| PR / Communications | $500K – $5M | 3-6x |
| Performance Marketing | $500K – $5M | 4-7x |
Valuations in Canada are influenced by local market conditions, client quality, and the depth of specialized talent. Premium agencies with strong retainer bases and diversified client portfolios consistently achieve the upper end of these ranges.
Local Considerations
Combined federal and provincial corporate tax rates range from approximately 23-31% depending on province. The Lifetime Capital Gains Exemption (LCGE) provides up to CAD 971K in tax-free gains on qualifying small business corporation shares — this is a major advantage for agency sellers. Additional provisions may apply for qualified farm and fishing property. Employment standards vary by province. Non-compete clauses are enforceable if reasonable under Canadian common law (or civil law in Quebec).
Get Notified of New Canada Listings
New marketing agencies are listed for sale in Canada regularly. Whether you are a buyer looking for your next acquisition or an agency owner exploring a sale, we can help connect you with the right opportunities in this market.
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