Agencies.co vs Benchmark International: Agency M&A Compared
Choosing the right platform or advisor for your agency M&A transaction is one of the most important decisions you will make. Both Agencies.co and Benchmark International offer pathways to buying or selling a business, but they differ in focus, approach, and the type of seller they serve best. This comparison breaks down the key differences to help you make an informed choice.
We believe in honest comparisons. Benchmark International has genuine strengths, and there are situations where they may be the better fit. Our goal is to help you understand the differences so you can choose the right partner for your specific situation.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Agencies.co | Benchmark International |
|---|---|---|
| Specialization | Marketing agencies only | Mid-market and lower-middle-market M&A |
| Deal Size Range | $500K – $30M+ | $5M – $500M |
| Pricing Model | Transparent tiered pricing | Success fee + retainer |
| Advisory Support | Full M&A advisory included | Full-service global M&A advisory |
| Time to Close | 90 days average | 6-12 months typical |
| Buyer Network | Vetted agency buyers | Global institutional buyer network |
| Free Valuation | Yes | Yes (consultation required) |
About Agencies.co
Agencies.co is a marketplace and advisory platform built exclusively for marketing agency M&A. Every aspect of the platform — from valuation methodology to buyer network to deal structuring — is designed specifically for the marketing and communications agency sector. Founded to help agency owners navigate the complex process of buying, selling, or merging their businesses, Agencies.co offers transparent pricing, hands-on advisory, and a vetted network of agency-focused buyers. With a target close time of 90 days, the platform is built for speed, simplicity, and outcome.
About Benchmark International
Benchmark International is a global M&A advisory firm with offices across the US, Europe, and other international markets. They serve the mid-market and lower-middle-market with full-service M&A advisory, including business valuations, buyer identification, negotiation, and closing support. Their global footprint enables cross-border transactions, and their large team of advisors handles hundreds of concurrent engagements across industries. Benchmark International has built a reputation for institutional-quality M&A advisory accessible to privately held businesses, with particular strength in cross-border transactions and access to international strategic and financial buyers.
Key Differences
Scale and Reach
Benchmark International is a large, global M&A firm with offices worldwide and a vast network of institutional buyers. Agencies.co is a specialized firm focused on the marketing agency niche. For agency owners, the question is whether the breadth of Benchmark’s network or the depth of Agencies.co’s agency focus produces better buyer matches. In our experience, agency-specific buyer networks outperform broad networks for agency transactions because the buyers understand and properly value agency business models.
Deal Size Alignment
Benchmark International’s sweet spot is $5M to $500M — they are built for larger transactions with institutional buyers. Agencies.co serves agencies from $500K to $30M+. Many marketing agencies fall below Benchmark’s typical deal size, and smaller deals may not receive the same level of attention at a firm focused on larger transactions.
Personal Attention
Benchmark International manages hundreds of concurrent engagements with a large advisory team. Agencies.co’s focused portfolio means more personal attention per engagement. For agency owners who value a close working relationship with their advisor, this difference can be meaningful.
Cross-Border Capability
Benchmark International excels at cross-border transactions with their international office network. Agencies.co handles cross-border agency deals as well, though with a more focused approach. For agency owners looking specifically at international buyers or sellers, Benchmark’s global infrastructure is a genuine advantage.
Who Should Use Benchmark International
Benchmark International may be a better fit if your agency is valued above $10M and you want institutional M&A advisory, you are specifically seeking cross-border buyers or selling to international acquirers, you want the prestige and process of a large, global M&A firm, or your business includes non-agency components that require broader M&A expertise.
Who Should Use Agencies.co
Agencies.co is the better choice if your marketing agency is in the $500K to $30M range and you want specialized attention, need advisors who deeply understand agency valuation drivers, want access to a buyer network specifically built for agency acquisitions, or prefer transparent pricing and a faster, more focused process.
Pricing Comparison
Benchmark International uses traditional institutional M&A pricing — typically a monthly retainer plus a success fee at closing, with minimums that reflect their focus on larger transactions. Agencies.co offers transparent tiered pricing. For agency owners, the total fee comparison should account for both the retainer cost (which accrues regardless of outcome) and the success fee.
The Verdict
Benchmark International is a legitimate global M&A firm that has earned its position through institutional-quality work. For large businesses seeking cross-border transactions, they are an excellent choice. However, for marketing agency owners in the $500K to $30M range, Agencies.co offers a more tailored experience — deeper agency expertise, more personal attention, and a buyer network purpose-built for the marketing services sector. The best choice depends on your agency’s size, your interest in international buyers, and whether you prefer institutional scale or niche specialization.
Ready to Get Started?
Whether you are leaning toward Agencies.co or still evaluating options, the best next step is to understand what your agency is worth. Our free valuation gives you an honest, data-driven assessment with no obligation.
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