Advantage Sees Lots of Pluses in Marlin Network Acquisition

IRVINE, Calif. — Advantage Sales & Marketing LLC expands its marketing capability and expertise in foodservice with the acquisition of Springfield, Mo.-based Marlin Network Inc.

Marlin Network designs high-impact creative and strategic marketing campaigns that drive sales, build brand awareness and foster brand engagement. The company operates five independent business units: Marlin, deep, The Alchemedia Project, Food IQ and StarAwards.

“This is exciting news for Advantage,” said Tanya Domier, CEO of Advantage Sales & Marketing. “Together with Waypoint, our foodservice sales organization, we now offer services that encompass coverage from point-of-purchase through to point-of-consumption for brands and operators. This acquisition also enhances our marketing expertise, and improves our value proposition and effectiveness for a variety of clients, customers and industries.”

Marlin Network will continue to be led by founder and CEO Dennis Marlin, and its division will remain based in Springfield.

“Our partnership with Advantage will provide us with greater access to resources and talent to help brands reach consumers at home and away from home. We will generate more impactful programs through better synchronization with sales strategies and deeper investment in data and analytics; expand our operating geographies; and offer new opportunities for our talented associates here in Springfield and throughout North America,” Dennis Marlin said.  

Irvine-based Advantage is a customized sales and marketing solutions company that builds brand value for clients in the grocery, drugstore, club, convenience, natural/specialty, consumer electronics, home center, and foodservice industries.