Capstone Partners Advised Acceleration Community of Companies on Senior Debt Financing to Fund Acquisition of Pixly

Capstone Partners advised Acceleration Community of Companies (ACC)—a community of cutting-edge media, marketing, and communications agencies—on the closing of a $38 million senior credit facility, the proceeds of which were used to refinance existing debt and fund the acquisition of influencer marketing firm Pixly. The senior credit facility was provided by Capital Southwest Corporation.

Headquartered in Los Angeles, CA, ACC is a collaborative platform of marketing, media, and communications agencies complemented by ACC Advisory, a consultancy aimed at providing clients a central point for integration and customization, comprised of industry experts that provide lead generation, operational, and strategic consultancy. ACC’s service delivery model differs from traditional advertising holding companies by promoting collaboration among internal agencies, leading to an ability to react quickly to today’s rapidly changing marketing landscape. The company’s blue-chip customer base includes HBO, Nike, Amazon, Pepsi, Nissan, Facebook, Absolut, Netflix, Target, Dolby, Delta Airlines, and Google, among others. ACC is majority owned by Solace Capital Partners, a Los Angeles-based middle market private equity firm.

ACC’s most recent acquisition, Pixly, is a full-service influencer marketing agency specializing in authentic activations through content creators across a variety of popular social media platforms. ACC clients will be able to leverage Pixly’s best-in-class brand activation strategy and network of influencers to grow their social media presence and connect more deeply with their target consumers.

Michael Nyman, Chairman & CEO, ACC, said

"ACC is committed to offering a more strategic approach that integrates the many specialties and skills of its agencies in one place, offering brands a 360, omni channel approach. We are excited to have found such a great strategic partner in Capital Southwest and look forward to working with them to support our continued growth at ACC. The Capstone team provided strategic advice through every stage of the marketing process and helped navigate the transaction to the very end. Their financing expertise and deep understanding of our business were vital in reaching a successful closing."

Brad Harrop, Director in Capstone Partners’ Debt Advisory Group, added

“Multiple lenders were drawn to ACC’s innovative and differentiated service model and the leadership team’s unique ability to understand and respond to the needs of today’s most influential brands. The financing provides the Company with an experienced capital partner that is able to support ACC’s continued acquisition-focused growth strategy and we are honored to have played a part in supporting their continued success.”