Big Cabal Media extends its most popular editorial columns, like the personal finance series "Naira Life," into new formats including books, events, and films. This strategy leverages existing audience affinity to de-risk new ventures, create diverse revenue streams, and build brand prestige beyond traditional digital publishing.

The parent company of Campaigns & Elections has a clear M&A thesis: acquire publications in highly regulated industries. Their expertise serving the political industry translates to other complex markets like cannabis, creating a portfolio of brands that help professionals navigate regulatory challenges.

Instead of a standard acquisition, Sanchez bought newsletters and posed as a sponsor or guest writer to funnel subscribers to her own list. She would grow the acquired asset simultaneously and then sell it for a profit, effectively getting paid to acquire new subscribers.

The acquisition of Bari Weiss's newsletter by Paramount wasn't just a media sale; it was an 'acquihire' that made her Editor in Chief of CBS News. This demonstrates that a successful newsletter can serve as a powerful portfolio to secure top executive positions, not just to generate revenue or sell a media asset.

Instead of paying for leads, buy established, profitable media outlets at low multiples (3-5x EBITDA). These brands, like Flying Magazine, generate profit while also serving as a powerful, trusted top-of-funnel engine for your other data or product businesses.

Instead of creating everything from scratch, Klue's Compete Network began by aggregating content and partnering with existing thought leaders. They provided the production 'plumbing,' allowing creators to focus on their expertise, which accelerated the network's growth and value.

When asked about acquisition targets, Versant's CEO indicated the company is looking at newsletter and podcasting businesses whose personalities are already frequent guests on networks like MSNBC. This suggests a 'try before you buy' M&A approach, where on-air appearances serve as a vetting process for potential acquisitions.

To acquire a trade magazine, a marketing agency owner bypassed complex valuations. He calculated his own cost-per-subscriber for his newsletter, multiplied it by the size of the magazine's email list, and made an all-cash offer based on that simple, tangible metric.

A marketing agency acquired its industry's largest trade publication not to become a publisher, but to create a powerful lead generation engine. Owning the trusted media source for his target clients (real estate agents) provided an unmatched top-of-funnel strategy, driving high-quality leads directly to his agency.