Category Archives: M&A Activity

Analytics, Big Data, Business Intelligence, Data visualization, HardMetrics, IQor, M&A Activity

iQor Acquires HardMetrics

iQor, a provider of intelligent customer interaction and outsourcing solutions, today announced that it has acquired HardMetrics, a provider of cloud-based visual business intelligence, business analytics and reporting solutions. HardMetrics enables organizations to integrate disparate data from any part of the enterprise, then structures and translates that data into actionable insight, including user-friendly info-graphics, scorecards, charts, and dashboards.

With its customer and transactional databases, iQor’s industry-leading Big Data analytics engine QuantuMatch® helps clients uncover insights into their customer base. This agreement extends iQor’s analytics and self-service reporting capabilities by enabling on-demand, interactive drill-down reporting for more targeted customer interaction campaigns and faster recognition of, and response to, emerging trends.

“We are excited about the acquisition for our customers,” said Brian Turley, outgoing CEO of HardMetrics, Inc. “iQor brings resources, technology prowess, and market muscle that we simply could not match on our own.”

HardMetrics will continue to serve its existing customer base and operate as a standalone company. In addition, iQor will incorporate and market the HardMetrics Performance Manager product in a new offering called QeyMetricsSM for its broad base of customers.

“With iQor, HardMetrics clients now have the weight and ambition of an acknowledged technology and analytics innovator driving the product and the business,” said Bryce Engelbrecht, iQor Vice President and General Manager of HardMetrics. “We look forward to expanding HardMetrics’ proven, innovative platform for delivering operational metrics to business end users.”

“iQor has led the way in developing the digital network, tools and processes to capture, analyze, and act upon the Big Data generated with every customer interaction,” said Norm Merritt, President and CEO, iQor. “iQor’s analytics engine, coupled with HardMetrics’ leading data visualization tools, provides an unparalleled analytics toolset for both existing and new clients to help them generate value adding insight.”


Actional, Aurea, M&A Activity, Progress, Savvion, Sonic, Trilogy

Trilogy Enterprises Acquiring Four Progress Software Businesses to Form New Company

The software investment arm of Trilogy Enterprises, one of the largest privately held enterprise software companies in the world, today announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire four Progress Software businesses – Sonic, Savvion, Actional and DXSI. Trilogy will combine the businesses to form the core of a new “best of breed” intelligent business process, application, and data management company. The new company will be called Aurea Software and will be headed by enterprise software industry veteran Scott Brighton. Brighton currently serves as President of Trilogy Enterprises.

“The promise of intelligent business process, application, and data management – and the ability to provide real-time insights on complex business processes across the cloud, mobile, and social – is the most exciting idea to emerge in the business process management space since its inception,” said Scott Brighton, Aurea CEO. “With Aurea, our goal will be to take these market leading, enterprise-class products and place a renewed focus on creating the next generation iBPMS – with a specific emphasis on enabling critical, high-value business processes in key vertical markets.”

Aurea will adopt the Trilogy model of high customer touch. “Our strategy will center around an extraordinary level of customer focus through a program we call 100% Customer Success. Aurea’s customers should expect a marked increase in the level of investment in and attention paid to them. I plan to meet personally with each and every customer over the first six months of the company’s formation,” said Brighton.

“We will inherit a strong and talented team from Progress that will form the core of Aurea, and we will focus on adding critical resources that will drive customer impact across Account Management, Development, Support, and Professional Services,” added Brighton.


Avaya, M&A Activity, Polycom, ShoreTel

iQ Solutions Group Acquires Fidelis Communications

iQ Solutions Group, a provider of converged communications, data center solutions, managed services and cloud based solutions announced today that it has acquired Fidelis Communications, Inc., a provider of solutions including Avaya, ShoreTel, Samsung and Polycom. The acquisition brings a strong base of Avaya clients into the iQSG portfolio, including a high concentration of healthcare, financial and retail businesses.

David Mayhew, President and CEO of Fidelis – “I am very pleased with the acquisition as I have the upmost confidence and respect for iQSG’s capabilities and their Executive Management Team, our customer base can rest assured that they will have the support of one of the most experienced IT Solutions Partners in Ohio and the Tri-State area.”

“This acquisition is particularly exciting for us because of the excellent relationships and client base that this acquisition presents to our business. iQSG looks forward to continuing to support and service Fidelis’ clients, while enhancing the quality of care extended,” commented Tom Richardson, Principal at iQSG.

“Fidelis’ passion for client care and emphasis on understanding their clients’ business requirements aligns strategically with our core values and approach. Their impressive client base includes organizations whom have invested in leading market solutions from Avaya, ShoreTel and Polycom, which align very well with our expertise. The acquisition of Fidelis allows us to continue to build upon our ability to extend premium support and service to our clients, which we refer to as ‘iQ Care,’” added Mark Nield, Principal with iQSG.


Appirio, Human Resources, Knowledge Infusion, M&A Activity, Talent management

Appiri Acquiring HCM Consultancy Knowledge Infusion

Appirio today announced its intent to acquire Knowledge Infusion, which will create the world’s largest cloud-powered Human Capital Management (HCM) consultancy. By marrying Appirio’s unmatched cloud expertise, technology innovation and global scale with Knowledge Infusion’s deep domain knowledge of HR, talent management and change management practices, enterprises finally have a partner that can help them prepare for and capitalize on the new way people work across all business domains.

“We have always considered cloud, social and mobile not just technology, but engines for business transformation,” said Chris Barbin, CEO of Appirio. “By combining forces with Knowledge Infusion, a recognized expert in people-focused processes, we can help business, HR and IT leaders develop the right strategy to ensure they engage employees as effectively as they would customers. That strategy, supported by the right technological innovation, can optimize how work gets done at a time when people’s expectations and motivations have drastically changed because of the consumerization of technology.”

Started in 2005, Knowledge Infusion has provided core HR, talent acquisition, talent management and social collaboration consulting services to more than 350 clients. This includes organizations like Amgen, Best Buy, Campbell’s, Dell, Hertz, Merck, Nationwide, Novo Nordisk, Starbucks and Target. The company’s end-to-end services model, on-demand subscription advisory services, and focus on customer success has made it one of the fastest growing HR technology consultancies in the world. In addition to its advisory work, Knowledge Infusion has become a trusted deployment partner of Workday, SuccessFactors, and Salesforce.com’s Work.com.

“McGraw-Hill is partnering with both Knowledge Infusion and Appirio to help us become a more nimble organization,” said John Berisford, Chief HR Officer at McGraw-Hill. “It is terrific to see their deep domain expertise, strategic thinking and creativity come together.”

“All organizations must take an outcomes-based approach when applying technology to transform and optimize their business,” said Naomi Bloom, Managing Partner of Bloom & Wallace. “When using a consulting partner to support these efforts, organizations need one that combines deep domain expertise and state-of-the-art technical knowledge, with a commitment to delivering rapid, cost-effective results. That’s why I couldn’t be more delighted that Knowledge Infusion and Appirio have decided to join forces. Together they will create a new and much-needed consultancy, sitting between the ‘big T’ process transformation shops and the product-based implementation mechanics. Their focus on business strategy, organizational design, and enterprise technology, all focused on business outcomes, will benefit their customers, partners and our entire industry.”

Appirio was started in 2006 with the mission to help enterprises power their business with the cloud, and has since helped more than 400 enterprises use cloud providers like Workday, Salesforce.com and Google to improve core business processes from HR and financials to sales, service and marketing.

Once the acquisition is final, expected in November 2012, the combined company will bring to bear nearly 600 strategy and technology experts on three continents, a global crowdsourcing developer community, and an integrated suite of applications, assets and analytics that ensure the best outcome for transformation initiatives.

“Like Appirio, we saw a fundamental shift happening in how companies did business, how the workforce was changing, and the inability for traditional service providers to help business leaders adapt to that shift,” said Jason Averbook, CEO and co-founder of Knowledge Infusion, who will become Appirio’s Chief Business Innovation Officer. “Appirio’s track record of innovation, their disruptive services model and culture make it a perfect home for Knowledge Infusion. We’re excited to work together to help organizations move beyond traditional HR and deliver on the full potential of people at work.”


LogNormal, M&A Activity, Mobile application development, Performance management, Performance testing, SOASTA

SOASTA Acquires Real User Measurement Company

SOASTA today announced the acquisition of LogNormal, the leading performance measurement company delivering real user measurement and monitoring for mobile and web applications. The acquisition extends SOASTA’s platform to deliver actionable intelligence for both marketing and operations executives on real user behavior.

“SOASTA is focused on constantly improving the user experience on mobile applications,” said Tom Lounibos, SOASTA’s CEO. “SOASTA has been delivering a fast, affordable and scalable performance solution for enterprise customer for years. The acquisition of LogNormal extends our vision of delivering the full life cycle of development, testing and measurement solutions to ensure the optimal user experience for our customers. We are excited to have LogNormal as part of SOASTA, especially Buddy and Philip with their dedication and experience in performance management.”

“SOASTA is the leader in mobile and web performance testing and we are excited to combine our expertise to deliver performance testing, monitoring and measurement in a single platform,” said Buddy Brewer, LogNormal’s CEO. “The combination of LogNormal’s expertise and SOASTA’s real-time analytics engine will provide unprecedented insight into mobile behavior.


AutoDesk, Computer-aided manufacturing, M&A Activity, Manufacturing, SolidWorks

Autodesk Acquires HSMWorks Technology

Autodesk Inc. has acquired certain assets of HSMWorks Aps, a developer of computer aided manufacturing (CAM) software. Through the acquisition of the HSMWorks technology, Autodesk will add software to control machine tools and related machinery to its portfolio of software for manufacturing. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

“The acquisition of the HSMWorks technology brings machining expertise and next-generation CAM technology to the world’s most comprehensive portfolio of manufacturing software,” said Buzz Kross, Autodesk senior vice president, design, simulation and lifecycle products. “Autodesk has a long history of making design and engineering technology more accessible, and we look forward to bringing HSMWorks’ CAM technology to a broader group of users.”

Autodesk intends to integrate the HSMWorks technology with its industry leading software and cloud services for manufacturing, and will make current HSMWorks products available for purchase and HSMXpress available as a free download. Existing SolidWorks customers using HSMWorks will continue to receive support and product updates. HSMWorks Aps is based in Copenhagen, Denmark.


Evolve IP, M&A Activity

Evolve IP Acquires Managed Communications Provider IPiphany

Evolve IP today announced that it has acquired the assets of IPiphany, a managed communications provider headquartered outside of Chicago, in Rolling Meadows, Ill.

Since 2001, IPiphany has been delivering managed IT, voice, and data services to the Midwest marketplace, and the company’s complementary products will allow for seamless customer integration without service interruption. After migrating to Evolve IP’s award-winning virtual private cloud, IPiphany customers will gain access to new cloud services such as virtual private cloud infrastructure, hosted VDI, data back-up, and cloud-based unified communications.

“We’re pleased to acquire an organization that shares our vision of delivering integrated cloud services via a single provider,” says Thomas Gravina, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, and Co-Founder of Evolve IP. “We are actively looking to acquire companies like IPiphany, and will move quickly as opportunities present themselves.”

“Acquiring IPiphany will expand Evolve IP’s footprint by adding a local presence and heavy concentration of customers in the Midwest,” says Guy Fardone, COO and General Manager of Evolve IP. “We look to immediately and extensively grow this region with our award-winning cloud platform and product set.”

“We see this next step with Evolve IP as a major milestone in the company’s evolution,” says Pete Langas, President of IPiphany. “It will strengthen our ability to offer customers a best-in-class solution, while still allowing them to work with the same IPiphany team members they have come to trust. After migrating our services to Evolve IP’s award-winning virtual private cloud, customers will be on a platform that is directly owned and controlled by Evolve IP, providing them with greater stability, flexibility, and more services than ever before.”

For more information about Evolve IP’s suite of cloud services, visit www.EvolveIP.net. For more discussion about how cloud services can improve business, visit Cloud IQ.


Athenahealth, EHR, Electronic health record, Health administration, Health Care, M&A Activity, Medical

athenahealth Acquires Healthcare Data Services

athenahealth, Inc., a  provider of cloud-based practice management, electronic health record (EHR), and care coordination services, today announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Healthcare Data Services LLC (HDS), a web-based solutions provider and expert in health care data analysis and population health management for payers and providers. It is anticipated that the transaction will close in October 2012.

This acquisition is expected to expand athenahealth’s cloud-based services portfolio to include high-value, population-based cost and quality data analysis and reporting capabilities. By expanding its services in this way, athenahealth will be strengthening its ability to support health care organizations to navigate the growing number of risk-based payment models, and align care coordination with patient population needs.

“Value-based payment models are fundamentally changing the way patient care is coordinated, delivered, and reimbursed,” said Jonathan Bush, CEO and chairman of athenahealth. “With HDS, we can help health care organizations to thrive in the face of change—to drive down costs through smart, high quality care coordination and to understand the totality of services being provided. This acquisition supports our existing efforts to create an information backbone that makes health care work as it should.”

New payment models offered by the U.S. government and commercial health plans aim to create a reimbursement system that links care reimbursement to the quality of care delivered and, ultimately, to reduce overall health care expenses for populations of patients. These risk-based contracts come in a variety of models, including pay-for-performance (P4P) incentives, bundled payments, shared savings, and global capitation; each requires improved insight into patient population data so that health care organizations can gauge and manage patient needs while simultaneously tracking and adjusting their own performance against risk-based reimbursement contracts.

The addition of HDS would bring many advantages and synergies that would expand athenahealth’s recognition as a single-source provider of best-in-class workflow and data insight solutions to support all payment models:

  • Proven Innovation Excellence – HDS has led the market for population
    health tools in Massachusetts, which in turn has led the country in
    transforming toward more of an accountable care health care
    marketplace. Together, the combined organization would be able to help
    a broader set of health care organizations to drive quality and
    improvement to the way care is coordinated and reimbursed.
  • Key and Differentiating Services – The proven services and value of
    HDS would be able to leverage athenahealth’s investment, sales force
    capacity, and complementary cloud-based services. HDS complements
    athenahealth’s commitment to support risk-based payment models, as
    well as athenahealth’s mission to be the best in the world at getting
    medical caregivers paid for doing the right thing.
  • Advancement to Health Information Open Exchange – With HDS,
    athenahealth could better support health care organizations in their
    access and use of data as a means to drive clinical and financial
    improvement. HDS complements athenahealth’s clinical-cycle,
    patient-cycle, and care coordination workflows, as well as
    athenahealth’s efforts to create a health care information backbone to
    make health care work as it should.
  • Accelerated Growth within the Large-to-Enterprise Market – HDS brings
    valuable relationships within the medium-to-large health systems
    market. Greater access to these organizations would accelerate
    athenahealth’s delivery of its cloud-based services and in turn
    contribute to growing revenue streams.

“By combining HDS with athenahealth, we expect to create a comprehensive, easy-to-access platform for health care organizations to take on and succeed in the face of payment reform and the shift to accountable care,” said Jonathan Porter, co-founder of HDS. “The massive changes going on in health care reimbursement create challenges, but more so create opportunities. Together with athenahealth, we would be able to bridge the gap between providers, payers, and patients by providing ready-to-use population health management capabilities as part of EHR workflows that support restructured payment models and ensure the delivery of appropriate and necessary care to patients.”


Distance Learning, M&A Activity, MindLeaders, SkillSoft

Skillsoft Acquires ThirdForce Group MindLeaders

Skillsoft Limited, a provider of cloud based learning solutions for customers worldwide, today announced that it has reached agreement on the terms of a recommended cash offer to be made by its indirect subsidiary, Skillsoft Ireland Limited, for the entire issued and to be issued share capital of ThirdForce Group plc. The acquisition is being structured as an Offer under Irish law.

The acquisition will add to Skillsoft’s existing offerings in learning content, and supports the company’s overall strategy to continually increase the quality and flexibility of the learning solutions it makes available to its corporate, government, education, and small-to-medium size business customers. Also, the addition of MindLeaders’ capabilities will strengthen Skillsoft’s ability to expand its compliance-related business in the United States and United Kingdom.

“We see compliance-related learning as a growth opportunity for SkillSoft. Currently, we are serving legal compliance and ES&H compliance needs of many our corporate customers, and our success has encouraged us to explore ways to accelerate this part of our business,” said Jerry Nine, Chief Operating Officer of Skillsoft. “MindLeaders’ learning content for food safety and adult care will immediately bring a wider range of compliance solutions to the customers we serve in the United States and United Kingdom. We are also excited about the potential to expand these compliance solutions to serve additional global markets in the future.”

MindLeaders offers many of the same financial and operating characteristics as Skillsoft’s business model, including an annual recurring subscription-based licensing model for access to its learning resources library, a direct sales force distribution system complemented by resellers and telesales support, and a corporate client base offering visibility through multi-year contracts. As a result, the acquisition is expected to support both Skillsoft’s revenue predictability and growth.


Big Data, BigData, Business Intelligence, Endeca Technologies, IBM, Internet of Things, M&A Activity, Pivotal Labs

Big Data Future Spurs Acquisitions

In October 2011, Oracle announced its acquisition of Endeca Technologies, an enterprise search and data management company providing enterprises with non-structured data management, e-commerce and business intelligence technology.

In November 2011, IBM announced its acquisition of Platform Computing, an HPC software company with excellent performance in cloud computing and big data.

In February 2012, Groupon acquired Adku, a startup that uses big data to personalize online shopping experience for people visiting e-commerce sites like eBay and Amazon.

In March 2012, EMC announced its acquisition of Pivotal Labs, a private agile software developer and tool provider headquartered in San Francisco.

In the past two years, international IT giants, including IBM, Oracle, EMC and SAP, have been engaged in an upsurge of acquisition in the big data market, spending more than $1.5 billion in acquiring related data management and analysis companies. Big data becomes a new hot term after “cloud computing” in the IT and financial sectors.

The upsurge of big data results from the integrated development of the new-generation information technology, and the processing and analysis of big data in turn becomes a key support for the said integrated development.

The Internet of Things (IoT), mobile Internet, digital home and social network services are the applications of the new-generation information technology. Big data is continuously increasing together with these applications, whereas cloud computing provides the storage and computing platform for massive and diversified big data. It is estimated that the global data storage volume was 1.8ZB in 2011, and it will hit 2.7ZB in 2012 and exceed 8ZB in 2015. The growth rate of structured data is around 32%, and that of non-structured data 63%.

In the retail sector, analysis on big data enables retailers to master the real-time market trends and promptly take corresponding measures. Walmart has started analyzing the massive sales data of all its chain stores in combination with weather data, economics and demography, so as to select proper products for each chain store and determine the timing of discounts.

In the Internet sector, analysis on big data helps manufacturers develop more precise and effective marketing strategies. Facebook and eBay are analyzing and exploring massive data from social networks and online transaction data, with an aim of providing personalized advertising services.

In the utility sector, big data have begun to play a significant role. Many European cities guide drivers to select the best routes by analyzing real-time traffic flow data, thereby improving traffic conditions. The United Nations also launched “Global Pulse”, a program aiming to accelerate global economic development with big data.

The enormous commercial value of and market demand for big data are driving transformation of the information industry. New big data-oriented products, technologies, services and models are constantly emerging.

On one hand, the challenges such as effective storage, fast read-write and real-time analysis will have significant impacts on the chip and storage industry as well as incubate the integrated data storage & processing server and memory computing markets.

On the other hand, the enormous value of big data will lead to urgent needs for fast data processing and analysis as well as give rise to the unprecedented prosperity of data exploration and business intelligence markets.