LaSalle Capital, a private equity firm with extensive experience in the lower middle market, has acquired Minneapolis-based Avtex Solutions, a provider of integrated customer experience technology solutions, from Marquette Companies, a part of the Pohlad Companies.
Avtex, which was acquired by Marquette Companies in 2006, serves over 500 customers in the U.S., and has more than 160 employees in 17 states.
Avtex, a technology know-how driven company focused on providing solutions that optimize the many points of interaction clients have with customers, employees, partners and prospects, has received national leadership recognition from both Microsoft and Interactive Intelligence for the past three years.
The company will continue to be based in Minneapolis and no changes to staffing are anticipated as a result of this transaction.
“The sale of Avtex is a logical outcome of our strategic focus on financial services, commercial real estate, automotive sales, and sports and entertainment,” said Bert Colianni, CEO of Marquette Companies, in a statement.
Colianni said that Avtex has been a good performer with a great team, and the company believes the transaction will benefit Avtex in its growth goals.
George Demou, CEO and president of Avtex, will continue to lead the company.
“This new partnership accelerates our investment strategy and allows us to further expand our service offerings through both internal investment and future acquisitions," Demou said.
Nick Christopher, partner at LaSalle Capital said that the company is impressed by the Avtex business model, their strategic plan and the experienced team of seasoned professionals within the organization.
Earlier in March, Avtex announced that it has become an authorized reseller for SMART Technologies, a global provider of interactive displays and the developer of the Smart Board® interactive whiteboard.
As an authorized reseller, Avtex has access to bring their clients the wide array of SMART’s state-of-the-art product line, particularly the SMART Room System for Microsoft Lync, an integrated hardware and software solution that supports Microsoft Lync in the meeting room.
An integrated, turn-key hardware solution, it combines SMART’s industry leading interactive displays with Microsoft Lync to enable rich audio, video and data collaboration. This helps engage every meeting participant by enabling them to contribute ideas in more creative ways and provides them with a more inspired way to collaborate.