360training Acquires ACLS Medical Training & Safety Provisions - Extending Healthcare & EHS Offerings
AUSTIN, Texas, May 19, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- 360training, a leading online regulated training provider, has acquired ACLS Medical Training and Safety Provisions (owners of the brand Hard Hat Training), two well-respected providers of medical training and workplace safety, respectively. Through these acquisitions, 360training will accelerate it's goal of helping to provide safer, more productive work environments that protect employees and customers, benefiting everyone.
By integrating the content and expertise of ACLS Medical Training and Safety Provisions into its existing platform, 360training will provide learners with an even more comprehensive range of courses and certifications across multiple industries. Tom Anderson, CEO of 360training, explains what drew him to these companies:
"We are excited to welcome ACLS Medical Training and Safety Provisions to the 360training family. Their expertise in workplace safety and medical training complements our existing offerings and strengthens our position as a leading provider of online training solutions."
The acquisitions are part of 360training's strategic growth plan to expand its course offerings and reach more learners across different industries. "Our mission at 360training is to help improve, inform, and maintain the condition, health, and safety of all workers, and our passion is universal. The acquisition with ACLS and Safety Provisions will aid us in reaching more workers than ever before," adds Samantha Montalbano, COO Health and Safety Advocate of 360training.
With a more extensive course catalog and a wider range of certifications, the company is well positioned to help learners across multiple industries achieve their professional goals and meet regulatory requirements. 360training is supported in it's growth initiatives through the strategic equity partnership with GreyLion Partners LP and Vestar Capital Partners.
Why Choose Safety Provisions?
360training acquired Safety Provisions mainly because the same goals fundamentally drive the two companies. They share the mission of reducing workplace accidents and fatalities by providing easily accessible, high-quality online safety training solutions.
In addition, all Safety Provisions courses are:
- OSHA Compliant
- User Friendly
- 100% Online
- Affordably Priced
Why Choose ACLS Medical Training?
ACLS Medical Training's online courses are crafted with the same care and attention to detail that 360training demands for all its courses. By acquiring ACLS Medical Training, 360training adds to its library of healthcare courses, with the additions of the following courses for medical professionals:
- Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support
- Basic Life Support
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support
- Neonatal Resuscitation Program
About Safety Provisions
Safety Provisions, Inc. is dedicated to improving workplace safety through comprehensive training and promoting an engaging safety culture. The company is best known for establishing the brand Hard Hat Training. With a vision to eliminate accidents and fatalities in the workplace and an elite team of EHS experts, Hard Hat Training offers instruction and training resources to companies of all sizes.
About ACLS Medical Training
ACLS Medical Training empowers individual paramedics, nurses, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and physicians to improve safety in hospitals. Their goal is to teach medical professionals in an innovative learning experience that helps to enhance the systems of care that save lives.
Hennepin Partners acted as ACLS Medical Training's exclusive advisor through this acquisition.
Nox Health Announces Strategic Investment from Vestar Capital to Accelerate Growth
ATLANTA and NEW YORK, Nov. 30, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Nox Health (or the “Company”), the global sleep health leader, announced today a strategic growth investment from Vestar Capital Partners, a leading U.S. middle-market private equity firm. The investment will help Nox accelerate development of its sleep diagnostic technology and services, and adoption of its value-based comprehensive sleep management solutions for employers and health plans. Financial terms of the investment were not disclosed.
“We are delighted to welcome Vestar as a strategic investment partner to help us accelerate our growth. We were looking for a partner with relevant and credible experience and found it in Vestar,” said Nox Health CEO Sigurjon Kristjansson. “Today’s fee for service healthcare economy places the onus on the consumer to navigate a gated health care experience — especially detrimental to sleep health. At Nox, we enable a consumer-centric experience, leveraging our state-of-the-art technology portfolio and value-based sleep management solutions to simplify access, reduce costs and improve health outcomes.”
“Lack of sleep is a silent killer. Sleep disorders are comorbid with seven of the 15 leading causes of death,” said Roger Holstein, Managing Director at Vestar Capital Partners. “Nox is not only a global leader in the science of sleep diagnostics, but it has also created a value-based, comprehensive sleep care management program which fulfills all the objectives of the healthcare ‘Triple Aim’ — a frictionless member experience, with demonstrated health outcomes at a measurably lower cost. We are excited to partner with Sigurjon and the entire Nox team to accelerate the Company’s mission and help millions of people wake up to a brighter world.”
“Sleep is an attractive healthcare category with sustainable long-term growth tailwinds and significant unmet demand,” said Mike Vaupen, Managing Director at Vestar Capital Partners. “Nox has built a differentiated and market-leading set of diagnostic devices, workflow software, and value-based care management services that support a patient’s entire sleep care journey. We look forward to supporting the Company in its next phase of growth.”
Canaccord Genuity served as financial advisor to Nox Health, and Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP acted as its legal counsel. Solomon Partners served as financial advisor to Vestar, and Kirkland & Ellis LLP provided legal counsel.
About Nox Health
Nox Health is a global sleep health leader on a mission to improve the health of populations through better sleep. Every year, more than three million people in 50 countries benefit from Nox products and services. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, and with operations in Reykjavík, Iceland and Denver, Colorado, Nox provides a range of solutions from comprehensive sleep diagnostic technology for providers to value-based comprehensive sleep management programs for self-insured employers and payers. For more information on Nox, please visit www.noxhealth.com.
Simple Mills Appoints Sheryl O'Loughlin to Board of Directors
CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Simple Mills, the company on a mission to advance the holistic health of the planet and its people through delicious, better-for-you foods, today announced the addition of CPG industry veteran, Sheryl O’Loughlin, to its Board of Directors. O’Loughlin is an accomplished entrepreneur, CEO, author, and board member bringing extensive experience leading fast-growing, innovative consumer products companies. In her new role, O’Loughlin will provide strategic counsel and guidance to help support Simple Mills in scaling the company to the next level, creating opportunity for the brand to have a greater positive impact on its mission to advance the holistic health of the planet and its people.
A seasoned leader with more than 30 years of experience scaling CPG companies, O’Loughlin previously served as the CEO of both Clif Bar & Company and REBBL, and Co-Founder and former CEO of Plum Organics. During her time at REBBL, a super herb adaptogen beverage, O’Loughlin architected a product innovation, distribution, and velocity strategy that grew revenue 23-fold and increased margins by 20 points. This growth allowed the brand to work toward a regenerative, just supply chain and donate $1 million to Not For Sale, a nonprofit dedicated to co-creating a future without human trafficking. Alongside her outstanding leadership roles, O’Loughlin shares her entrepreneurial skillset with the Simple Mills team as the former Executive Director for the Center of Entrepreneurial Studies at the Stanford Graduate School of Business and author of “Killing It: An Entrepreneur’s Guide to Keeping Your Head Without Losing Your Heart.” She also has experience serving on several other notable CPG brands boards, sitting currently on the boards of PetIQ, Inc. (Nasdaq: PETQ), Miyoko’s Creamery, and S. Martinelli & Co. In this new role, O’Loughlin plans to draw on her expertise to amplify Simple Mills’ mission to pioneer the way the world eats by crafting food with purposeful ingredients intentionally selected to help advance the health of both people and planet.
“I am honored to be part of the highly-esteemed Simple Mills Board of Directors, especially on the heels of a successful growth year for the company,” said O’Loughlin. “I’m a longtime fan of the brand and particularly appreciate how Simple Mills honors the intersection of people and planetary health by utilizing nutrient-dense ingredients and adopting a unique approach to regenerative agriculture that have the potential to build healthy soil. It’s my passion to assist companies like Simple Mills in scaling their business in a way that aligns with their mission and values, while providing an example to other companies that an ethical business framework aiming to change our food system can be wildly successful. I've dedicated my time and effort to supporting talented leaders like Katlin Smith achieve their goals, and I'm thrilled at the opportunity to support the Simple Mills team on their journey to helping better the world.”
O’Loughlin joins Simple Mills Board of Directors alongside other leading experts in the space, including Amanda Steele, former Senior Vice President of Marketing at Annie’s and Numi Organic Tea; Dan O'Connell, Founder and CEO at Vestar Capital Partners; Kevin Mundt, Managing Director at Vestar Capital Partners; George Peinado, member at Hyde Park Angels; and Lew Semones former General Partner at Charlotte Capital Partners
Simple Mills better-for-you products are sold in more than 28,000 natural and conventional stores across the country. This includes national distribution with top U.S. retailers, including Whole Foods, Sprouts, Target, Walmart and Costco. In the last five years alone, Simple Mills has entered more than 20,000 new stores, increasing its brick-and-mortar availability by more than 300%. Aside from significant retailer growth, the brand also has a strong e-commerce presence both on Amazon and its own website. To learn more about Simple Mills, its commitment to advancing regenerative agriculture through ever-growing product innovations, and to find a retailer near you, please visit www.simplemills.com.
About Simple Mills
Founded in 2012, Simple Mills is a leading provider of better-for-you crackers, cookies, snack bars and baking mixes made with clean, nutrient-dense ingredients and nothing artificial, ever. Celebrating its tenth anniversary this year, the company has disrupted center-aisle grocery categories to become the #1 baking mix brand, #1 cracker brand, #1 cookie brand in the natural channel1 with distribution in over 28,000 stores nationwide. Its mission is to advance the holistic health of the planet and its people by positively impacting the way food is made. For more information, visit www.simplemills.com.
Vestar Capital Partners Named to Inc.'s 2022 List of Founder-Friendly Investors
NEW YORK, Oct. 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Vestar Capital Partners, a leading U.S. private equity firm, today announced that it has been named to Inc.'s 2022 Founder-Friendly Investors list honoring the private equity and venture capital firms with the best track records of successfully backing entrepreneurs.
The list recognizes firms that entrepreneurs can trust and collaborate with while receiving the financial and strategic support they need to help accelerate growth. All the firms on the Inc. list have successful track records of remaining actively involved with the businesses in which they invest.
"Vestar is proud to once again be recognized by Inc. for our commitment to supporting founders as they unlock the growth potential within their businesses," said Dan O'Connell, Founder and CEO of Vestar. "Founders have many options when seeking a capital partner; working with a recognized firm that offers operational expertise, relationships, and a long-term perspective can be critical in achieving sustainable growth. Vestar is proud of our 30+ year track record of partnering with management to invest for growth, and we are eager to meet new entrepreneurs who can benefit from our partnership."
Vestar has invested nearly $3 billion in more than 25 founder- and family-owned companies since its inception in 1988, and its current portfolio consists of 10 founder-led businesses across Consumer, Business & Technology Services and Healthcare.
"Fully investing in an entrepreneur, and their innovative vision, involves far more than the financial investment. By developing relationships with and supporting entrepreneurs for the long-term, these private equity firms are more than investors, they're partners," says Scott Omelianuk, editor-in-chief of Inc. media.
Inc. compiled its list by surveying founders who have sold to private equity and venture capital about their experiences partnering with the firms, and examining data on how portfolio companies have grown during these partnerships.
Dr. Praeger's Sensible Foods Appoints John Sayour as Chief Financial Officer
ELMWOOD PARK, N.J., Sept. 29, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Dr. Praeger's Sensible Foods ("Dr. Praeger's" or the "Company"), a fast-growing brand specializing in delicious, nutritious plant-based frozen foods made from simple ingredients, announced that John Sayour has joined the Company as Chief Financial Officer. Dr. Praeger's is a portfolio company of Vestar Capital Partners.
"John brings over 30 years of diverse and progressive finance experience working for consumer goods companies. His deep experience with supply chain initiatives, his passion for developing talent, and his insights and analytics capabilities will be tremendous assets for the organization as we look to take advantage of strong tailwinds in the better-for-you food category," said Dr. Praeger's CEO, Andy Reichgut.
Mr. Sayour joins Dr. Praeger's from Blue Triton Brands, where he was Chief Transformation Officer and CFO of Supply Chain. Prior to that, he capped 22 years at Nestlé Waters as Vice President and CFO of Supply Chain. He was previously Director of Financial Reporting and Corporate Accounting at Fortune Brands, and he began his career as a Senior Auditor for Arthur Young. He holds a master's degree in finance and international business from the University of Connecticut School of Business and a bachelor's degree in accounting and computer science from SUNY University at Albany.
"Dr. Praeger's is uniquely positioned for success with an impressive portfolio of great tasting and health-sensible products, and I am very excited to be part of this talented team," said Mr. Sayour. "I look forward to working with Andy and the Dr. Praeger's team to find new ways to support the continued growth of the Company."
About Dr. Praeger's
For over 25 years, Dr. Praeger's Sensible Foods has offered delicious and convenient frozen food options for the whole family. Founded by two heart surgeons determined to make healthy food easily accessible, Dr. Praeger's is a leader in the all-natural, vegetarian, vegan, gluten free and kosher frozen food categories and has a wide range of products including Veggie Burgers, Bowls, Cakes, Puffs and Hash Browns, sustainable Seafood items, kids Littles and more. For more information visit www.drpraegers.com.
Pet Honesty Appoints Steve Chopp as Chief Financial Officer
AUSTIN, Texas, Sept. 27, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Pet Honesty, a trusted leader in premium pet health products, announced that Steve Chopp has joined the firm as Chief Financial Officer. Pet Honesty is a portfolio company of Vestar Capital Partners.
Mr. Chopp brings more than 20 years of experience in leadership roles at high-growth, health and nutrition companies. Most recently, he served as CFO and COO for Bragg Live Food Products, the number one brand of apple cider vinegar, where he oversaw the finance, supply chain, and technology functions. Additionally, Mr. Chopp spent more than 15 years working in the rapid growth supplements industry, including eight years at Pharmavite, the makers of Nature Made vitamins and supplements, where he served as EVP and CFO. He also held senior roles in consulting with L.E.K. Consulting and Stern Stewart & Co. Mr. Chopp holds an MBA from Indiana University's Kelley School of Business and a B.S. in finance from California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo.
"Steve is an accomplished leader with broad experience developing and executing high-impact strategies. He will be an invaluable asset as we continue our mission to elevate pet vitality to deliver more joyful moments for pet parents," said Richard Greenberg, CEO of Pet Honesty.
"As Pet Honesty's recent partnership with Petco illustrates, the Company is on a strong growth trajectory, and I look forward to partnering with the senior team during this exciting time as the Company continues to expand and deliver on its strategic plan," said Mr. Chopp.
About Pet Honesty
Pet Honesty, a trusted leader in premium, natural pet health products, is on a mission to help pet parents elevate their pet's vitality for more joyful moments together. Founded originally as an innovative e-commerce brand in 2018 and headquartered in Austin, TX, the company specializes in vet-approved pet supplements made with natural base ingredients and premium active ingredients, providing functional pet health benefits backed by science and certified by the NASC. Pet Honesty products are formulated in an FDA registered facility in the U.S.A. and available for purchase online at Pethonesty.com, Amazon, Chewy, Petco.com, and at Petco retail stores nationwide and select neighborhood pet retailers. For personalized guidance and education about Pet Honesty products, visit Pethonesty.com and follow @PetHonesty on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn.
About Vestar Capital Partners
Vestar Capital Partners is a leading U.S. middle-market private equity firm specializing in management buyouts and growth capital investments. Vestar invests and collaborates with incumbent management teams and private owners to build long-term enterprise value, with a focus on Consumer, Business & Technology Services and Healthcare. Since inception in 1988, Vestar funds have invested $11 billion in 89 companies – as well as more than 200 add-on acquisitions – with a total value of approximately $52 billion. For more information on Vestar, please visit www.vestarcapital.com.
Vestar Capital Partners Announces Promotions
NEW YORK, Aug. 15, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Vestar Capital Partners, a leading U.S. private equity firm, announced today the promotions of several investment professionals at the firm. The promotions include Neil Merchant, Mark Dirzulaitis, and Angela Yun to Principal, and Alex Veronneau to Vice President.
"We congratulate Neil, Mark, Angela and Alex on their promotions in recognition of their impressive growth, development and meaningful contributions to the Firm," said Dan O'Connell, Founder and CEO of Vestar. "We are fortunate to have such talented and resourceful young professionals who subscribe to our core values of hard work, creativity, transparency and teamwork."
Mr. Merchant, a member of the Firm's Business & Technology Services group, joined Vestar in 2018. He previously worked at Welsh, Carson, Anderson & Stowe focusing on healthcare and technology investments. Mr. Merchant holds both a BS in Economics, cum laude, and an MBA in Finance and Management, with Honors, from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.
Mr. Dirzulaitis, a member of the Firm's Business & Technology Services group, joined Vestar in 2019. Prior to Vestar, he worked at American Securities where he focused on private equity investments across a variety of sectors. Mr. Dirzulaitis began his career at Goldman Sachs, where he focused on growth equity investments in technology companies. He received a joint BA / MA from Johns Hopkins University, where he was elected to Phi Beta Kappa, and an MBA with Honors from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.
Ms. Yun, a member of the Firm's Consumer group, joined Vestar in 2019. Previously, she worked at Alliance Consumer Growth, a consumer- and retail-focused growth equity firm. Ms. Yun began her career in the Leveraged Finance Group and Financial Sponsors Group at Wells Fargo Securities. She holds a BS in Economics, cum laude, from Duke University, and an MBA from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.
Mr. Veronneau joined Vestar in 2019 after previously working as an Analyst in the Consumer & Retail Investment Banking Group at J.P. Morgan. He received a Bachelor of Commerce degree with first class honors from McGill University.
Dr. Praeger's Sensible Foods Appoints Andy Reichgut as Chief Executive Officer
ELMWOOD PARK, N.J., July 26, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Dr. Praeger's Sensible Foods, a fast-growing brand specializing in delicious, nutritious plant-based frozen foods made from simple ingredients, announced today that seasoned CPG executive Andy Reichgut has been appointed Chief Executive Officer effective immediately. Founder Larry Praeger has moved into a Special Advisor role and will remain an active Board member of the Company. The Praeger and Somberg families will retain their ownership stake in the Company, which is a portfolio company of Vestar Capital Partners.
"Andy is a smart, thoughtful, innovative and resourceful business leader with a deep appreciation for strengthening organizational capability, and a strong track record of building brands and businesses," said Jeffrey Ansell, Dr. Praeger's Chairman and Vestar Strategic Executive Advisor. "I'm excited to work with Andy again, and I'm confident his vast packaged foods experience, including plant-based and better-for-you brands, will set him up for success at Dr. Praeger's. I'd also like to sincerely thank Larry for his incredible vision and passion for the brand, which experienced transformative growth under his leadership. We look forward to his continued contributions as a Special Advisor and active Board member."
Mr. Reichgut is a long-time CPG executive who brings more than 25 years of experience from the packaged food industry. He was most recently General Manager for Violife®, a vegan cheese company owned by Upfield. Prior to Violife®, Mr. Reichgut was Executive Vice President at New Classic Cooking, where he led the Veggies Made Great® business. Under his leadership, the business experienced significant growth fueled by the repositioning of the brand and strong innovation. Mr. Reichgut also has decades of brand management and innovation experience working with leading CPG brands at Pinnacle Foods, Mars and Reckitt Benckiser. He holds a Master's of Business Administration degree from University of Chicago and a Bachelor's of Science degree from Syracuse University.
"Dr. Praeger's is a brand I have admired for many years and am excited and honored to join the organization as its CEO," said Mr. Reichgut. "At a time when consumers are searching for healthier and more environmentally friendly foods, Dr. Praeger's is positioned extraordinarily well to leverage these tailwinds. I look forward to working with the Company's strong leadership team along with our partners at Vestar to fulfill the promise of this business."
"I'm excited to welcome Andy to Dr. Praeger's. His vision, coupled with a phenomenal team who care so deeply for our brand, will continue to bring delicious and healthy plant-based food for generations to come," said Mr. Praeger. "When my father put his name on a veggie burger 26 years ago, he could not have predicted the plant-based revolution that was to come. I am so proud, as I know he would be, of the part Dr. Praeger's has played in bringing delicious, nutrient-dense food to homes all over the country. Dr. Praeger's has truly been able to meet the moment, and I'm confident it will continue to do so in this exciting next chapter."
About Dr. Praeger's
For over 25 years, Dr. Praeger's Sensible Foods has offered delicious and convenient frozen food options for the whole family. Founded by two heart surgeons determined to make healthy food easily accessible. Dr. Praeger's is a leader in the all-natural, vegetarian, vegan, gluten free and kosher frozen food categories and has a wide range of products including Veggie Burgers, Bowls, Cakes, Puffs and Hash Browns, sustainable Seafood items, kids Littles and more. For more information visit www.drpraegers.com.
About Vestar Capital Partners
Vestar Capital Partners is a leading U.S. middle-market private equity firm specializing in management buyouts and growth capital investments. Vestar invests and collaborates with incumbent management teams and private owners to build long-term enterprise value, with a focus on Consumer, Business & Technology Services and Healthcare. Since inception in 1988, Vestar funds have invested $11 billion in 89 companies – as well as more than 200 add-on acquisitions – with a total value of approximately $52 billion. For more information on Vestar, please visit www.vestarcapital.com.
Despite Tech Sector Tumble, Big Data Beckons
Despite Tech Sector Tumble, Big Data Beckons
Mergers & Acquisitions Magazine
By Rich Blake
Published July 2022
Following the technology market rout during the spring, the growth-oriented private markets licked their wounds and picked their spots.
One of the leading subsectors deemed poised for expansion, regardless of on economic slowdown? Data analytics.
"Companies across the board are compelled to find a competitive edge to drive growth and profitability, especially in challenging times," says Nikhil Bhat, a managing director at Vester Capital and who helps lead the private equity firm's business and technology services investments.
"Harnessing big data is a source of competitive advantage." he says.
From asset management to supply chain logistics, there is a major push by companies to deploy cutting edge analytics. In little more than the past decade, the data science space has transcended the pages of "Moneyball" and moved into a realm marked by big strategic investments.
Research firm Fortune Business Insights predicts the "big data analytics" market will grow globally by 13 percent per year for the next six years, to become a $500 billion industry by 2028.
One of Vestar's more noteworthy data-driven deals involved carving Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS) Inc. out of MSCI Inc. That was back in 2014. Vester at the time backed management to grow ISS further out of its proxy-advisory-focused roots into a comprehensive corporate governance and ESG data analytics provider. Fast-forward to 2017 - ISS underwent a management buyout led by Genstar Capital - and capabilities expended further still. And then, last year, ISS hit a homerun: Deutsche Borse, pivoting from trading-related fees to delivery of real-time investor data, acquired it from Genstar for $2.2 billion. That's nearly seven times the price ISS reportedly fetched eight years prior.
“People like to talk about machine learning and A.I. and these are useful Tools,” Bhat explained. “But what matters most in this space is using a deep understanding of the customer to provide them with the insights they need to make better business decisions.”
Becoming a data-driven company is a heavy lift and natural impediments could thwart best-case scenarios for growth in demand for such services if only due to unpreparedness. Some 80 percent of major corporations surveyed by IBM say having a more robust data-architecture is currently a top priority, and also a challenge.
“Data analytics has invigorated legacy business models and upended traditional corporate cultures,” says Shaun Dookhoo, associate director at Shoreline, a global advisory firm which specializes in helping asset owners use data. Organizations that have harnessed data analytics have benefited immensely at the expense of their competitors, while laggards often struggle to establish the necessary culture required for leveraging data, according to Dookhoo.
A recent deal that underscores the breadth of the scope of the data science opportunity: Omers Growth Equity, a part of Toronto-based Omers pension system, in May of 2022 helped seed Imply Data Inc., valued at $1.1 billion. Imply develops real-time analytics databases. Its founders are the same developers who created Apache Druid, go-to software for open-source projects that transform vast datasets into actionable intelligence.
The deal was led by Thoma Bravo which not surprisingly has its fingerprints all over the big data space. In June 2016, the technology-focused private equity powerhouse firm took Qlik private in a $3 billion deal. Qlik does data visualization, the end result all this software wizardry. It's the output, as opposed to the input, all of it part of a sprawling continuum of data harnessing activities.
Silicon Valley-based Talend is an example of a leading player focused on pulling in and making sense of humongous, disparate flows of data coming like spray from a fire hose connected with myriad sources. Thoma Bravo took Talend private in a deal that closed last September. Final price tag: $2.4 billion.
“We're focused, post tech-crash, on sub-sectors of tech that we deem to be resilient and transformative,” says Chip Virnig, partner at Thomo Bravo. Cybersecurity is arguably one such area, he points out. And data analytics is another.
“Data analytics is a vast space with a lot of niches and complex components to it,” he says.
In addition to the input and output segments along the continuum there is a middle-phase segment. It's led by companies such as publicly traded Snowflake (storage) and Alteryx (blending and integrating data streams).
Companies are viewed by some in the industry as having no alternative but to push further into data science and related tools. The beleaguered, at times broken down, global supply chain is vividly illustrating the importance of having real time Insights. Companies need to know which suppliers are most reliable, which redundancy/contingency options are viable, where delays are happening, how raw materials can be obtained more cost effectively, and so on.
“The exciting thing about this market is with Al and ML (machine learning) we can now take live data feeds and deliver real time actions via automation,” Virnig says. “It adds a whole new element in terms of return on investment.”
One of the more impressive success stories to come out of the big data sector ties to the early months of the pandemic when Vyaire, a maker of ventilators, used Talend's data platform to ramp up production from six machines to 600. Rigorous analysis using every data point on the assembly line was distilled into a re-tool blueprint that identified a series of ultimately fixable chokepoints within the quality control process.
Applying big data strategy to analytics asset management can produce an enormous informational edge to this subsector. It'll continue to grow in line with the baseline amount or assets - tens of trillions of dollars, worldwide - to be managed, said Joe Donohue, vice chairman of DC Advisory, an M&A/private capital advisor serving growth companies in North America.
“Companies like Bloomberg, FactSet Reuters and S&P Global are in a race to capture market share,” Donohue said, pointing to what could be a forthcoming cycle of new strategic bolt-on acquisitions as priorities shift to areas of growth, such as, say, ESG.
In the case of Deutsche Borse, their push into ESG factor data was the driving force behind its purchase of ISS.
Vester has done several deals that illustrate the data analytics groundswell.
Back in 2018, Vestar led an investment in Information Resources Inc. (IRI), which at the time, was owned by New Mountain Capital who retained a significant stake in the company. Not to be confused with ISS, IRI is a leading global provider of big data and predictive analytics to the consumer packaged goods sector, integrating otherwise disconnected consumer data streams (purchase habits, media consumption, as well as social, causal and customer loyalty data) to help corporate customers grow their businesses. This past April, IRI announced plans to merge with NPD Group, a global consumer data provider to the general merchandise and food service sectors, bringing together complementary, leading data assets on an advanced technology platform. Hellman & Friedman, which owns NPD. will acquire a majority stake, while Vester and New Mountain will retain significant minority stakes in the combined company.
Previously, Vestar’s Healthcare team, in 2017, led an investment into a founder-owned company called Quest Analytics, a leader in health plan provider network management analytics software. This deal exemplified the trend towards investing in vertically focused software and data analytics companies. Quest has since made, with Vestar's backing, two strategic acquisitions to expand its data sources and analytics capabilities.
“Health plan networks are characterized by massive amounts of complex, dynamic data on healthcare providers” Bhat said.
By investing heavily behind its technology and analytics capabilities, Quest created a platform that enables health plans to build high-quality networks.
“That drives positive health outcomes for members,” he said. “Something everyone in the industry wants to achieve.”
Stratus, a Global Leader in Brand Implementation and Facilities Services, Adds Bryan Hartnett as COO
Mentor, OH, June 7, 2022 – Stratus (or “the Company”), a market-leading asset-light facilities services provider, announced today that Bryan Hartnett has joined the Company as Chief Operating Officer, effective immediately. He replaces former COO Dave Walters, who recently retired from Stratus.
“We are pleased to welcome Bryan, a seasoned executive who has deep experience in facilities services and an outstanding track record of driving best-in-class operations and client satisfaction,” said Tim Eippert, founder and CEO of Stratus. “At Stratus, we create solutions that take brands and people to the next level. Bryan really connected with our mission, and I look forward to partnering with him to bring it to life. I’d also like to personally thank Dave for his many years of dedicated service to Stratus, and wish him the very best in his retirement.”
Mr. Hartnett joins Stratus from Vixxo, an integrated facilities management company, where he served as SVP of Customer Operations after a decade as President of the East Division. Prior to Vixxo, Mr. Hartnett was CEO and founder of National DCP, a company supporting franchisees of Dunkin' Brands. Previously he was COO of Dunkin' Donuts N.E. Distribution Center, a regional purchasing and distribution cooperative serving 2,500 Dunkin’ Donuts franchise locations. Mr. Hartnett began his career in public accounting.
“I am thrilled to join Stratus during this exciting period in the Company’s evolution,” said Mr. Hartnett. “Across all sectors, our clients are looking for innovative solutions to attract consumers in a competitive market. Stratus’ reputation of partnering with blue-chip clients to deliver creative branding solutions and facility maintenance services are second to none. I look forward to working with Tim and the entire Stratus team to expand our offerings and explore new ways to better serve our clients.”
About Stratus
Stratus is a leading brand implementation and facilities services company offering signage solutions, brand environments, energy services, repair and maintenance programs, and refresh and remodel capabilities across 50 states and 24 countries. With more than 50,000 projects completed annually, the Company provides versatile solutions for some of the world’s largest and most recognized brands. Stratus is a portfolio company of Vestar Capital Partners. For more information, please visit www.stratusunlimited.com.