Merging Between Companies
April 2, 2024
Welcome back to Business Unfiltered with Mercer and Jeff Sauer today's topic is Merging Between Companies
0:00: Company mergers and partnerships with distinctions and examples. Jeff defines company mergers and partnerships as a legal entity and a structure, respectively, and clarifies the distinction between partnerships and other terms like co-promotions and affiliate relationships.
3:58: Mergers and partnerships for small businesses. Mergers can be risky for small businesses, but they can also bring cost savings and revenue growth if done correctly. Jeff believes mergers are an underutilized tool for companies, can help overcome skills gaps, and increase business value.
9:15: Business growth and mergers. Mercer prioritizes enjoying the game of business over the specific task or industry, highlighting the importance of personal fulfillment in entrepreneurship. Jeff enjoys solving business puzzles, appreciates good systems, and learned to surround himself with people who complement his strengths.
14:46: Leaving a business after 8 years and starting a new venture. Jeff left his company after 8 years to pursue his own goals but remained an owner and provided strategic advice for 8 more years until the business sold. This decision to leave was influenced by a desire to reach his financial goals which was not possible within the company.
17:11: Business mergers and partnerships. Mercer struggled with marketing his business, preferring long-form content like podcasts and webinars, but never feeling comfortable with traditional marketing methods. Mercer and Jeff discussed merging their brands in December, with Mercer expressing skepticism but ultimately agreeing to the idea on a call.
22:31: Merging two marketing companies. Jeff and Mercer have merged their companies, with Mercer's brand Measurement Marketing, and Jeff's brand DataDrivenU now under one LLC. Mercer is glad to be together with Jeff and can now leverage their combined experience and expertise.
25:16: Business partnership and merger. Jeff and Mercer slow-dated each other through the podcast, taking turns sharing ideas and improving each other's thoughts. The speakers realized they were a good fit after discussing a major opportunity with Profit School.
29:34: Successful podcast merger and partnership. Mercer and Jeff prioritized integrating the back of the house before the front, reflecting their careful approach to mergers and partnerships.
Topics Covered In This Episode
- Understanding Mergers and Partnerships: The episode delves into the distinctions between company mergers and partnerships, clarifying legal and structural aspects.
- Challenges and Risks for Brands: Jeff and Mercer discuss the potential loss of brand identity in mergers, cautioning against private equity mergers that prioritize asset-stripping over brand protection.
- Merger Benefits for Small Businesses: Despite risks, mergers can bring significant cost savings and revenue growth, as evidenced by Jeff’s successful merger experience in the digital marketing sector.
- Embracing Business Growth through Mergers: Both Mercer and Jeff consider mergers as pathways for growth, emphasizing the importance of enjoying the entrepreneurial journey and making lateral shifts when necessary.
- Personal Journeys and Entrepreneurship: Jeff shares insights from leaving a business after 8 years, highlighting the importance of aligning personal and financial goals with business decisions.
- Successful Business Merger: The episode culminates with a successful merger story between Jeff and Mercer, emphasizing trust, chemistry, and a methodical approach to integration, paving the way for enhanced content and collaboration.