Alchemy Systems, a portfolio company of The Riverside Company, has acquired Catalyst Awareness, a producer of employee-awareness communication programs.
Catalyst produces employee-awareness communication programs that address loss prevention, health & safety, and other programs for the retail and supply chain industries. Catalyst has more than 10 large, national retail customers, and offers a content library covering 100 topics ranging from workplace safety and loss prevention, to customer service. The company’s programs provide more than six million training sessions every year. Catalyst is based in Guelph, Ontario (www.catalystawareness.com).
“It’s easy to see why Catalyst has a healthy portfolio of loyal blue-chip customers,” said Riverside Partner Brian Sauer. “They have a compelling value proposition and a proven track record of results.”
Alchemy is a provider of food and workplace safety training for production workers. Companies use Alchemy to increase productivity, reduce food safety incidents, and lower compliance risk. Riverside acquired Alchemy Systems in January 2013. The company is based in Austin, TX (www.alchemysystems.com).
“Catalyst delivers proven training that produces tangible bottom-line results,” said Riverside Managing Partner Loren Schlachet. “This addition delivers a new customer vertical, but also proven techniques and capabilities that will benefit customers of both Alchemy and Catalyst.”
Working with Mr. Schlachet and Mr. Sauer on the transaction for Riverside were Assistant Vice President Stephen Rice, Associate Ryan Philyaw, and Operating Partner Rex Niles. Associate Director, Origination Cheryl Strom originated the deal for Riverside.
The Riverside Company is a private equity firm focused on the smaller end of the middle market (“SEMM”). Riverside specializes in investing in SEMM companies (those valued up to $250 million) and partners with management teams to build companies through acquisitions and value-added growth. Since 1988, the firm has invested in more than 320 transactions with a total enterprise value of more than $6 billion. The firm’s current portfolio includes more than 70 companies. The Riverside Company is headquartered in New York with additional offices in Atlanta, Chicago, Cleveland, Dallas, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and London (www.riversidecompany.com).
Deerpath Capital (www.deerpathcapital.com) provided financing for the transaction, Jones Day served as Riverside’s legal counsel, Deloitte advised Riverside on financial due diligence and West Monroe Partners advised on technology diligence.
© 2013 PEPD • Private Equity’s Leading News Magazine • 10-17-13
