Michael C. Seidler
in the press.

One of the key things is that they enable Accenture Song to connect with and service global CMOs by providing digital product design and sophisticated technical development at scale.

We're eagerly looking at fourth-quarter results and how the first quarter is turning out because, more than anything — even more than the interest rates — the biggest hurdle was that the supply of strong-performing independent companies was very limited.

Leading brands are recognizing this is a new way to connect with consumers, to advocate for brands and to create content. Agencies and other groups are taking notice and trying to get ahead of the highest growth sectors to acquire into.

Relationships are everything.

Secure EBITDA margins close to or above 20% and establish a diverse portfolio of long-term clients. Offer modern capabilities such as data-driven marketing, commerce, analytics, AR/VR, applying AI/ML, etc. Find a path to over $3-5 million EBITDA and ensure blue chip clients.

A significant amount of the M&A activity is concentrated in that middle area of the agency world — independents that are looking to grow by buying smaller shops around them.

For over three years, I've been interviewing world-class CEOs of global advertising holding companies, global CMOs and distinguished founders who have exited for a few hundred million to billions of dollars.

The marketing services groups only are about 10 percent of that.