Business News
Graphic Arts Advisors represents independent DC-area marketing company in merger with Ironmark
Friday 20. January 2023 - After 32 years in business, Tippett and Franklin began considering exit strategies. They initiated a conversation with Graphic Arts Advisors (GAA). After careful consideration of available options, the partners engaged GAA to conduct an exclusive confidential outreach program.
Graphics Arts Advisors is pleased to announce the acquisition of Millennium Marketing Solutions by Ironmark.
Millennium Marketing Solutions launched in 1990 as a graphic design company, purchased a small printing company in 1997, and eventually evolved into a fully integrated marketing agency. Janice Tippett was Millenniums founder, former President and Partner with her sister, Jody Franklin, the companys Vice President.
After 32 years in business, Tippett and Franklin began considering exit strategies. They initiated a conversation with Graphic Arts Advisors (GAA). After careful consideration of available options, the partners engaged GAA to conduct an exclusive confidential outreach program that resulted in the successful sale to Ironmark. Janice Tippett is now Vice President of Strategic Development for Ironmark, a leading digital and print marketing firm.
GAA is an M&A advisory and consulting firm focused exclusively on the printing, packaging, mailing, marketing production services, and related graphic communications industries. Senior Managing Director Mark Hahn and Managing Director Mitchell Evans worked closely with Janice and Jody to prepare for market, contact carefully selected prospective buyers, and advise over the course of the negotiations.
“They understand the industry and where it needs to grow. They knew the businesses that were looking at us and why they were interested,” said Tippett. “What I love about Mark and Mitch is that they have a balance of knowledge and passion. They know the numbers inside out. I relied on them to break down financial details and leverage their knowledge to bring both parties together in a positive way.”
Millennium was poised for acquisition by another company at the start of the pandemic. That sale was put on hold, and ultimately GAA pitched the company to Ironmark, which turned out to be the perfect fit.
“We knew the folks at Ironmark and were aware of their acquisition goals,” said Hahn. “Because of this background knowledge, we felt strongly that the strategic, cultural, and financial fit was perfect.”
“Everything was teed up and everyone was aiming for a January closing when Post Capital Partners entered the picture and informed us of their intention to acquire Ironmark,” Hahn added. “We knew the folks at Post Capital and were aware of their approach to investing based on backing highly competent leadership teams, such as at Ironmark”
“Fortunately for all involved, Millennium fit right into Post Capitals approach, and they supported Ironmarks plan to acquire Millennium,” Evans explained. “We put pencils down on Millennium until the deal with Post Capital was completed in June. All the parties quickly resumed where we left off and we closed the Millennium deal shortly thereafter.”
Throughout the process, Tippett was extremely concerned with confidentialitythat her employees, customers, and competitors would learn about the exit before it was complete. “GAA kept the sale completely confidential, and simply carried on navigating for everyones best interest,” said Tippett.
Save