Earlier this year, after the major acquisitions of interactive ad shops Digitas and AKQA, investment bank AdMedia Partners pointed out the strong desire among traditional agencies and PE firms to acquire other digital marketing companies. But then AdMedia wondered if there were enough appropriate targets. But as a special feature in Ad Age shows, if you look hard enough, you might find what you want. The magazine has culled a list of 20 independent digital ad shops it considers hot acquisition prospects.

SEE ALSO: Recession Fears, Credit Challenges Won’t Impact Online Ad Agency M&A Activity

While some small shops prize the freedom that comes with independence, Michael Seidler, CEO of Madison Alley Ventures, an investment bank focusing on interactive agencies, tells AdAge that as larger agencies absorb more of their peers, indies may find themselves outgunned by similar competitors that have become suddenly imbued with much greater resources.