8/14/14
Clarion Capital Partners Completes SQAD Add-on Acquisition of Workhorse Software Company Clarion Capital Partners Completes SQAD Add-on Acquisition of Workhorse Software Company
Integration Offers the Advertising Industry Unparalleled Access to Media Cost Data, Media Planning and Management Tools, and Audience Analytics.
New York, August 14, 2014 – Clarion Capital Partners, LLC (“Clarion”), a New York-based middle market private equity firm has expanded its SQAD media analytics platform with the acquisition of Workhorse Software Company, the global leader in advertising planning software.
The consolidated company will serve an increasingly fragmented media industry with an indispensable suite of products that provide heightened transparency through best-in-breed cost data analytics and uniformity through premier media planning software. The complementary product offerings will provide opportunities to integrate and scale media planning and performance solutions for clients of both companies.
Workhorse’s SaaS-based media planning and management software, Mediatools™, has been widely adopted by advertisers and agencies as the primary system to manage and plan global media buys across all forms of new and traditional media. Serving over 6,500 licensees worldwide, Workhorse’s software has become the media planning system of choice for Fortune 500 companies and leading advertising agencies.
“This is a natural partnership, as SQAD has worked alongside us for many years,” said Ken Green, President of Workhorse. “Not only do we share common clients, we also share a vision on how we want to expand and serve the evolving media industry over the next several years.”
“This transaction comes in direct response to the industry’s current need for integrated data and business systems,” said Neil Klar, CEO of SQAD. “As the media landscape continues to evolve, our collective goal is to develop flexible and integrated media planning and performance solutions that enhance transparency and efficiency within an integrated platform, incorporating solutions for both new and traditional media.”
The consolidated company will have a global presence with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, and Manila. In connection with the transaction, SQAD will look to bring on additional talent, including sales executives and software developers, as it expands its product offerings and client base.
“Integrating the outstanding management teams and industry leading products of these two companies is a big step in developing consolidated global solutions to address media fragmentation and advertising transparency,” said David Ragins, Managing Director of Clarion Capital Partners.
SQAD was represented in this transaction by its counsel, Cooley LLP. Workhorse was represented by its financial advisor, Metronome Partners LLC, and its counsel, Reed Smith LLP. Financing for the transaction was provided by Abacus Finance Group, LLC, Crescent Direct Lending, LLC, BB&T Capital Partners and Stellus Capital Management, LLC.
About Clarion
Founded in 1999, Clarion is a New York-based investment manager operating two primary business segments: Private Equity (launched in 1999) and Structured Credit (launched in 2018). Clarion’s private equity business seeks to make primarily control investments in a diversified portfolio of lower middle-market companies generating $7.5-30.0 million of EBITDA. Clarion focuses on growth companies in industries such as: Media, Entertainment & Technology; Financial Technology & Services; Business & Healthcare Services; and Consumer & Consumer Services. Clarion’s structured credit business focuses mostly on CLO equity and mezzanine investments, sourced both in the primary and secondary markets. The structured credit team manages traditional private funds and an insurance-dedicated fund. Additional information on Clarion can be found at www.clarion-capital.com.
About SQAD
SQAD® is recognized as the industry standard media cost forecasting source for national TV (NetCosts™—network TV, cable and syndication), Spot TV, Hispanic Spot TV Plus, Spot Radio and the Internet (WebCosts®). SQAD provides reliable media data to advertising agencies, buying services, advertisers, television and radio stations, cable operators, program syndicators and Internet publishers. SQAD enjoys strong partnerships with market leaders in both data and analytics. Established more than 25 years ago, SQAD serves over 1,500 clients. For more information on SQAD, visit www.sqad.com.
About Workhorse Software
Based in Evanston, IL, Workhorse Software is a developer of media planning and plan management tools utilized at top tier advertising and communications companies worldwide. The company’s flagship product, Mediatools™, offers a family of integrated components that provides a seamless media planning environment for advertiser and advertising agencies. For more information on Workhorse Software and the company’s product line, visit www.workhorsesoftware.com.