[June 25, 2014]

LaSalle Capital Acquires Avtex Solutions from Marquette Companies

LaSalle Capital, a Chicago-based investment firm, and Marquette Companies today announced that LaSalle Capital has purchased Minneapolis-based Avtex Solutions from Marquette Companies, a part of the Pohlad (News - Alert) Companies. The acquisition closed yesterday, June 24. Terms were not disclosed.

Avtex is a leading provider of integrated customer experience technology solutions and was acquired by Marquette Companies in 2006. The company serves more than 500 customers in the U.S., and has more than 160 employees in 17 states. Avtex has received national leadership recognition from both Microsoft and Interactive Intelligence (News - Alert) for the past three years.

According to Bert Colianni, CEO of Marquette Companies, "The sale of Avtex is a logical outcome of our strategic focus on financial services, commercial real estate, automotive sales, and sports and entertainment."

"Avtex (News - Alert) has been a good performer with a great team, and we believe the transaction will benefit Avtex in its growth goals. We wish them the best in the future," he said.

George Demou, CEO and president of Avtex, will continue to lead the company as it executes its growth strategy delivering innovative technology solutions and services. "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. Avtex will continue to be based in Minneapolis; no changes to staffing are anticipated as a result of this transaction.

Nick Christopher, partner at LaSalle Capital, noted, "George and his team have built a reputation for delivering exceptional customer experiences and custmized, technology-enabled solutions. They are a quality organization and are nationally recognized as a leading provider of Microsoft (News - Alert) and Interactive Intelligence solutions. We are impressed by the Avtex business model, their strategic plan and the experienced team of seasoned professionals within the organization."

Avtex offers a full range of services, including consulting and design, implementation, ongoing support and managed services spanning contact centers, customer relationship management (CRM), portals, unified communications, user experience, application development and business intelligence. Their objective: to eliminate poor customer experiences for their clients while enjoying the efficiencies and other strategic benefits that come with an integrated technology strategy.

LaSalle Capital was advised by Sidley Austin LLP. Advisors to Marquette Companies were Cherry Tree & Associates, LLC and Briggs and Morgan, P.A.

About LaSalle Capital
LaSalle Capital is a leading private equity firm with extensive experience in the lower middle market. We currently manage two funds totaling over $330 million in capital. Our team has deep experience in partnering with management teams to grow and develop small businesses. We add value to companies by providing strategic operating focus and promoting growth organically and through acquisitions. For more information, visit lasallecapitalgroup.com. If you have questions regarding this transaction or would like to discuss other opportunities in the industry, please contact Nick Christopher or Naveen Neerukonda of LaSalle Capital at (312) 236-7041.

About Avtex
Avtex provides professional services and strategic consulting encompassing a full 360° suite of solutions including user experience design, application development, unified communications, contact centers, portals, business intelligence, and customer relationship management. Driven by technology know-how and passionate about customer experience, Avtex is uniquely qualified to help clients deliver exceptional experiences to their customers using technology. Backed by strategic partnerships with Microsoft, Interactive Intelligence and Sitecore, Avtex is a strong provider of customer experience technology solutions and services. Avtex is a Microsoft Gold Certified and Managed Partner and a platinum-elite reseller of Interactive Intelligence communications software. Find out more about Avtex online at www.avtex.com or follow Avtex on Twitter (News - Alert) at @avtex.

Marquette Companies
Marquette Companies is part of the Pohlad Companies, a diverse group of more than 25 companies owned by the Pohlad family. Founded by Carl R. Pohlad in the 1950s and now managed by his three sons Jim, Bob and Bill, the Pohlad Companies operate in financial services/banking; commercial real estate; automotive sales; sports and entertainment, including the Minnesota Twins, a Major League Baseball franchise; and investments in privately held companies.

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