CHICAGO, May 15, 2009 – Marlin Equity Partners (“Marlin”) announced today that, through its group of funds, it has acquired three software operating units from Requisite Technology, Inc. (formerly doing business as Click Commerce, Inc.), a subsidiary of Illinois Tool Works, Inc. (NYSE:ITW). The transaction included the Service Network Solutions (“SNS”) and Research and Healthcare Solutions (“RHS”) businesses and the rights to the Click Commerce, Inc. name. Additionally, the Contract Service and Management (“CSM”) business was subsequently acquired by Emptoris, an existing Marlin portfolio company. The new Click Commerce offers software solutions that help manage and improve the business processes of multiple industry segments such as aerospace and defense, high-tech, logistics, manufacturing and healthcare. Marlin is a Los Angeles, California-based private investment firm focused on providing corporate parents, shareholders and other stakeholders with tailored solutions that meet their business and liquidity needs.
The Click Commerce SNS division focuses on optimizing service network planning and execution as well as providing analytics, collaboration, and visibility allowing businesses to continuously monitor, adapt and respond to performance and adjust both plans and execution in real time. The Click Commerce RHS division focuses on streamlining administrative processes for funding medical, animal and basic research and ensuring government-mandated compliance for research studies.
Management of the Click Commerce divisions includes seasoned executives from these business units with expertise in key vertical markets as well as software, business process management and automation technologies. Dave Barboro, formerly General Manager of SNS, will continue as President of Click Commerce SNS. Nick Stier, formerly Senior Vice President of RHS, was named President of Click Commerce RHS.
“Click Commerce SNS will continue to enhance value for our customers with world class supply chain and aftermarket service software and consulting services” said Mr. Barboro. “With the backing of Marlin Equity Partners, our team is excited to penetrate new markets across a broader field of applications.”
Mr. Stier added, “As our research customers continue to benefit from solutions that accelerate and strengthen research funding processes and compliance oversight, we’ll be able to draw on additional support from Marlin to move our business forward into strategic new areas.”
Bill Atkinson, Technology Group President of Marlin Equity Partners, is Chairman of the new Click Commerce. Mr. Atkinson has more than 25 years of senior-level experience with diverse technology-based companies including VeriFone, Dun & Bradstreet, Vertel Corporation, Titan Corporation, and Expersoft. “Click Commerce now has the dedicated resources and strategic focus to pursue industries in which its software and consulting services can help companies better compete. Customers can rely on Click Commerce SNS for solutions that optimize inventory levels across their networks, streamline operational processes, and grant greater visibility throughout the supply chain, while Click Commerce RHS customers can further leverage automated research administration and compliance systems to expand their research efforts,” said Mr. Atkinson.
The CSM business was acquired by Emptoris, a global leader in supply and contract management solutions that is headquartered in Burlington, MA. “The acquisition will expand Emptoris’ solution footprint, give the company access to an expanded roster of Global 2000 customers and solidify the company’s position as the market leader in the most valuable and complex aspects of Supply & Contract Management,” said Avner Schneur, President and Chief Executive Officer of Emptoris. Emptoris issued a separate press release providing further detail of its acquisition of the CSM division of the new Click Commerce.
About Marlin Equity Partners
Marlin Equity Partners is a Los Angeles, California-based private investment firm focused on providing corporate parents, shareholders and other stakeholders with tailored solutions that meet their business and liquidity needs in special situations. Marlin Equity invests in businesses across multiple industries that are in the process of undergoing varying degrees of operational, financial or market-driven change where our capital base, industry relationships and extensive network of operational resources will significantly strengthen a company's outlook and enhance value. Since 2005, Marlin Equity Partners, through its group of funds and related companies, has successfully completed more than 25 acquisitions across a variety of industries. For more information, please visit www.marlinequity.com.
About Click Commerce Service Network Solutions (SNS)
Click Commerce SNS division is the leading provider of software that locally manages and globally optimizes complex service networks across an extended enterprise, including parts logistics and inventory. The company’s solutions enable organizations to monitor materials flow in real-time and adapt quickly to changes, resulting in cost savings, faster customer service and a competitive advantage. More information can be found at www.clickcommerce.com.
About Click Commerce Research and Healthcare Solutions (RHS)
Click Commerce Research and Healthcare provides software solutions for the business of research to some of the premier academic medical centers and research institutions in North America, including the University of Michigan, Duke University and the University of Pittsburgh. More information can be found at research.clickcommerce.com.
For additional information, please contact Pete Bartolik at 508-283-4112 or via e-mail pete@bartolik.com.
