Salt Creek Capital has acquired CourseTrends, a provider of online marketing services to operators of golf facilities.
The customers of CourseTrends utilize the company’s products to maximize revenues and provide golfers access to online tee-time bookings across all 50 states through its Golf18network website (www.golf18network.com).
“CourseTrends enables course operators to increase revenues and operate more efficiently using a broad range of technology solutions, while improving the overall golfer’s experience. We are excited to partner with Alan Stalcup, CourseTrends founder, in this transaction and look forward to his continued support through the company’s next phase of growth”, said Dan Phelps, Managing Director of Salt Creek Capital.
CourseTrends products include customized websites, email marketing and mobile tools, social media management, e-commerce, and call center support. CourseTrends was founded in 2003 and has more than 2,500 clients located across the US. The company is headquartered in Austin (www.coursetrends.com).
As part of the transaction, Ali Murdoch – who joined Salt Creek Capital as an Executive Partner in early 2015 – will become the new CEO of CourseTrends. “It has been a great experience working with Salt Creek Capital and Alan Stalcup. It’s exciting to step into a new operating role with an industry-leading company with such an impressive and dedicated team,” said Mr. Murdoch. “CourseTrends has a strong track record of providing innovative solutions to the market place, and I look forward to our continued growth in the industry by adding new features and services.” Before joining Salt Creek as an Executive Partner, Mr. Murdoch was the Chief Executive Officer of Hardworking Software.com, a provider of ERP and CRM services to the residential construction trades with a specific focus on the kitchen and bath sector.
Salt Creek Capital invests in lower middle-market companies located anywhere in the US that have $3 million to $50 million in revenue. Sectors of interest include business services, distribution, energy services, franchising, logistics and specialty finance. The firm is based in Menlo Park (www.saltcreekcap.com).
Midwest Mezzanine (www.mmfcapital.com) provided junior capital to CourseTrends in support of the transaction. Paul Kreie, Senior Managing Director, led the transaction for Midwest Mezzanine.
© 2015 PEPD • Private Equity’s Leading News Magazine • 4-22-15