Sell Your PPC Agency
Selling a ppc agency is a significant decision that requires understanding what makes your business attractive to acquirers. PPC Agencies occupy a distinct position in the M&A landscape — buyers value them for their paid search and paid social campaign management with measurable ROAS. The market for ppc agency acquisitions has grown steadily as PE firms and strategic acquirers recognize the recurring revenue potential and scalability of well-run agencies in this space.
If you have built a ppc agency with strong client retention, documented processes, and a team that can operate without you, you are in a strong position to command a premium valuation. The key is understanding what buyers in this specific vertical are looking for and positioning your agency accordingly before going to market.
What Is a PPC Agency Worth?
PPC Agencies typically trade at 4-7x EBITDA in the current market, with EBITDA margins for well-run shops falling in the 20-30% range. Revenue multiples range from 0.8-1.5x, though buyers strongly prefer EBITDA-based valuations because they account for operational efficiency. A ppc agency generating $2M in revenue with a 25% EBITDA margin ($500K EBITDA) might sell for $2M to $4M depending on growth rate, client concentration, and team depth.
The biggest value drivers for ppc agencies are managed ad spend volume, platform certifications (Google Premier Partner, Meta Business Partner), strong ROAS track record, proprietary bid management approaches. Agencies that can demonstrate these qualities consistently outperform the market on multiples. Conversely, key risks that compress valuations include revenue tied to client ad budgets which fluctuate, platform policy changes, increasing automation reducing perceived agency value.
Who Buys PPC Agencies?
The buyer landscape for ppc agencies includes digital agencies lacking paid media expertise, media holding companies, and performance marketing groups building a portfolio. Strategic buyers — typically larger agencies or holding companies — pay the highest multiples because they can realize synergies by cross-selling services, eliminating redundant overhead, and leveraging your talent across a broader client base.
Financial buyers like PE firms are increasingly active in the ppc agency space, often pursuing roll-up strategies where they acquire multiple complementary agencies and combine them into a larger platform. These buyers typically offer competitive valuations but may structure deals with earnout components tied to post-acquisition performance targets.
Individual buyers — experienced operators looking to acquire and run an agency — represent the third major category. They tend to favor smaller agencies in the $500K to $2M revenue range and often seek SBA financing. These buyers value operational simplicity and a smooth ownership transition.
How to Prepare Your PPC Agency for Sale
Preparation makes the difference between a good deal and a great one. Start 12-18 months before your target sale date by addressing these areas specific to ppc agencies:
- Compile ROAS case studies for your top 10 clients
- Ensure all platform certifications are current and transferable
- Document your bidding strategies and optimization processes
- Diversify across Google, Meta, LinkedIn, and emerging platforms
- Separate management fees clearly from ad spend pass-through
The most common mistake ppc agency sellers make is waiting until they are burned out to start the sale process. By that point, growth has stalled, key people may have left, and buyers can sense the urgency — which weakens your negotiating position. Start preparing while the business is still growing and you are still engaged.
PPC Agency Valuation Multiples
| Revenue Range | Typical EBITDA Multiple | Typical Revenue Multiple |
|---|---|---|
| $500K – $1M | 3-4.5x | 0.7-0.9x |
| $1M – $3M | 4.5-6x | 0.9-1.3x |
| $3M – $10M | 6-8x | 1.3-1.8x |
Multiples climb with revenue because larger agencies typically have more diversified client bases, deeper management teams, and more predictable revenue — all of which reduce risk for buyers. Within any revenue band, multiples are pushed higher by strong year-over-year growth (20%+), low client concentration (no single client above 15% of revenue), and high EBITDA margins relative to the ppc agency average of 20-30%.
Ready to Sell Your PPC Agency?
Whether you are ready to sell today or want to start planning an exit in the next 1-3 years, the first step is understanding what your ppc agency is worth. Our free agency valuation gives you an honest, data-driven assessment of your business.