Agencies.co vs BizBuySell: 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 BizBuySell 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. BizBuySell 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 | BizBuySell |
|---|---|---|
| Specialization | Marketing agencies only | General business-for-sale marketplace |
| Deal Size Range | $500K – $30M+ | $25K – $10M |
| Pricing Model | Transparent tiered pricing | Listing fees ($50-400/month) |
| Advisory Support | Full M&A advisory included | Marketplace only (no advisory) |
| Time to Close | 90 days average | Varies widely (3-12 months) |
| Buyer Network | Vetted agency buyers | Very large general business buyer pool |
| Free Valuation | Yes | Basic valuation tools |
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 BizBuySell
BizBuySell is the largest business-for-sale marketplace in the United States, listing over 65,000 businesses for sale at any given time across every industry — restaurants, retail shops, manufacturing, professional services, and everything in between. Owned by CoStar Group, BizBuySell has the brand recognition and traffic volume that comes with being the default destination for business buyers in the US. Their platform is straightforward — listing-based, with search and filtering tools for buyers. Many of their listings come through business brokers who use the platform as a listing distribution channel.
Key Differences
Specialization vs Generalization
BizBuySell lists every type of business — your marketing agency listing sits alongside restaurants, laundromats, and gas stations. Agencies.co lists only marketing and communications agencies. For buyers specifically looking for agency acquisitions, a specialized platform is far more efficient. For sellers, being on a specialized platform means every buyer viewing your listing is interested in agencies.
Advisory Support
BizBuySell is a marketplace only — they do not provide M&A advisory services. Agencies.co combines marketplace listing with hands-on M&A advisory. For agency owners who have never sold a business before, advisory support for valuation, negotiation, and deal structuring can be the difference between leaving money on the table and achieving a strong outcome.
Buyer Quality for Agencies
BizBuySell’s buyers are general business buyers — many looking for owner-operated businesses like retail shops or restaurants. Agency-specific buyers are a small fraction of their audience. Agencies.co’s entire buyer community is focused on marketing agencies, meaning higher relevance and better matching for agency sellers.
Confidentiality
BizBuySell listings are publicly visible, though some details can be masked. Agencies.co uses NDA-gated access for detailed agency information, protecting seller confidentiality. For agency owners concerned about clients or employees discovering the sale, confidentiality controls are important.
Who Should Use BizBuySell
BizBuySell may be a better fit if you are selling a non-agency business (retail, restaurant, manufacturing, etc.), want the broadest possible marketplace exposure in the US, are working with a business broker who distributes through BizBuySell, or have a very small business where BizBuySell’s low listing fees are proportionate.
Who Should Use Agencies.co
Agencies.co is the better choice if you are selling a marketing agency and want buyers specifically interested in agencies, need M&A advisory support rather than just a listing platform, value confidentiality and NDA-gated information sharing, or want agency-specific valuation rather than general small business pricing.
Pricing Comparison
BizBuySell charges monthly listing fees ranging from approximately $50 to $400 per month depending on visibility level. There are no success fees — you pay for the listing regardless of outcome. Agencies.co’s tiered pricing includes advisory support, buyer matching, and deal management in addition to listing exposure. The total cost comparison depends on how long it takes to sell and what level of support you need.
The Verdict
BizBuySell is the dominant general business marketplace in the US, and its volume is unmatched. However, for marketing agency owners, listing alongside 65,000 other businesses of all types dilutes your visibility to relevant buyers. Agencies.co focuses exclusively on the marketing agency space, which means more qualified buyers, better valuations, and advisory support designed for agency transactions. If you want a general business listing for broad exposure, BizBuySell works. If you want to sell your marketing agency to the right buyer at the right price, Agencies.co is the better platform.
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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