Marlin Equity Partners to become majority shareholder as the two digital workplace services providers unite to offer comprehensive technology management programs and sustainable support solutions for organizations globally
TAMPA, Fla. – February 5, 2020 – AVI-SPL, a leading digital workplace collaboration solutions provider, is pleased to announce that it has entered into a definitive agreement to merge with Whitlock, an existing portfolio company of Marlin Equity Partners (“Marlin”), a global investment firm with over $6.7 billion of capital under management. The two leading digital workplace service providers will combine under AVI-SPL to offer customers best-in-class, end-to-end technology management and support solutions for customers globally. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to close in the first quarter 2020. In conjunction with the merger, Marlin will become the majority shareholder, with H.I.G. Capital coinvesting through a minority equity stake.
The merger will combine two like-minded, customer-centric companies with a cultural passion for providing innovative digital workplace services that bring people together and improve business outcomes. Together, AVI-SPL and Whitlock will provide organizations around the world comprehensive technology programs that encompass strategic design standards, global procurement, accelerated deployment, management capabilities, as well as a thoughtful, continuous improvement process.
“This is an incredibly exciting new chapter for our company, our employees, and our customers,” said John Zettel, CEO of AVI-SPL. “AVI-SPL and Whitlock have always shared a mutual admiration and respect for one another due to our similar passion for innovation and commitment to providing world-class customer experiences. Combining these strengths along with our talented employees, strong global partnerships, and worldwide resources will ensure we continue to deliver the very best experience for our local and global customers undergoing digital transformations.”
Upon closing, current Whitlock customers will have access to AVI-SPL’s 24/7 Global Services Operation Centers, as well as new remote management and monitoring capabilities provided by AVI-SPL’s proprietary Symphony offering. The combination will also form the industry’s most certified team of engineers and technicians that are uniquely capable of offering organizations valuable insight and expertise for their vital technology deployments.
“The unification of our talented, passionate teams, as well as our local and global resources, will drive significant value to our customers and employees,” said Whitlock CEO Doug Hall. “Together we are delivering exactly what our customers have been seeking – comprehensive technology management and sustainable support solutions that enhance the end-user experience, increase technology adoption and usage, and improve business outcomes. This is an exciting time for our employees, our partners, and our customers.”
Alex Beregovsky, a managing director at Marlin, added, “The digital workplace services industry has an incredible amount of untapped potential. The combined company significantly benefits from deeper resources, broader technology expertise and enhanced local presence. We look forward to partnering with the AVI-SPL and Whitlock teams to help them fully reach their potential and ensure customer success around the world.”
For more information on AVI-SPL, visit AVISPL.com.
About AVI-SPL
AVI-SPL is a digital workplace services provider that works with organizations globally to improve team collaboration and unlock new business value. The largest provider of collaboration technology solutions, which includes its award-winning managed services, AVI-SPL’s highly-trained team works hand-in-hand with organizations worldwide – including over 80% of Fortune 100 companies – to strategize, design, deploy, manage and support AV and UC solutions that are simple-to-use, scalable, serviceable, and measurable to ensure business objectives are achieved. Visit AVISPL.com to learn more, or connect with AVI-SPL on Twitter and LinkedIn.
About Whitlock
Whitlock is a provider of audiovisual (AV) and video collaboration (VC) solutions. The company’s primary services include strategic planning, roadmap consulting, enterprise management, workplace integration and managed support. Additional expertise includes “as a service” (aaS) opportunities as well as integrated design and deployment of furniture, surroundings, technologies and tools through their partnership with Herman Miller. Whitlock teams serve customers across a wide variety of industries, including the financial, high-tech, energy, healthcare, higher education, legal and federal government sectors. Whitlock delivers its solutions through the Global Presence Alliance, a global network of 30 leading AV and VC companies that span six continents and employ thousands of AV and VC professionals. Founded in 1956, Whitlock is headquartered in Richmond, VA with additional offices across the U.S. For more information, please visit www.whitlock.com.
About Marlin Equity Partners
Marlin Equity Partners is a global investment firm with over $6.7 billion of capital under management. The firm is focused on providing corporate parents, shareholders and other stakeholders with tailored solutions that meet their business and liquidity needs. Marlin invests in businesses across multiple industries where its capital base, industry relationships and extensive network of operational resources significantly strengthen a company’s outlook and enhance value. Since its inception, Marlin, through its group of funds and related companies, has successfully completed over 160 acquisitions. The firm is headquartered in Los Angeles, California with an additional office in London. For more information, please visit www.marlinequity.com.
Media Contact:
Anthony Salveggi
Public Relations Manager | AVI-SPL
Mobile: +1 (813) 956-6029
Email: Anthony.Salveggi@avispl.com
