Thrive Completes Recapitalization with Court Square Capital to Accelerate Growth

January 28, 2021

Thrive Completes Recapitalization with Court Square Capital to Accelerate Growth

The investment will enhance the client experience, facilitate geographic expansion and enrich Next Generation Platform automation capabilities

FOXBORO, MA. – January 28, 2021 Thrive, a leading provider of technology managed services, is pleased to announce that it has finalized a majority recapitalization with Court Square Capital Partners to reinforce its prominent market position. In addition to Court Square, Thrive’s existing financial sponsor, M/C Partners is continuing to participate alongside a substantial ownership stake by the company’s senior management team.

With their new partners, Thrive will accelerate its formidable investments in its Next Generation Technology including ServiceNow, Automation and AI. In addition, the Company intends to expand its customer success, sales and marketing teams, technical talent, Cybersecurity and other product offerings, in addition to continued geographic expansion, both organically and via acquisition.

“Thrive is proud to have built a company whose business model has been validated by a sophisticated technology services investor with a strong track record like Court Square.” said Rob Stephenson, Thrive CEO. “Our goal has always been to be viewed as a leader in the managed services space and this partnership will greatly benefit our existing customers, as well as provide an opportunity to expand our Cloud, Cybersecurity and ServiceNow-Powered Next Generation Managed Services Platform to new clientele.”

“Court Square is excited about the opportunity to partner with Thrive’s management team to continue to grow their managed services practice.” said Jeff Vogel, Managing Partner at Court Square.

“We’ve been actively pursuing an investment in this space for a long time and believe Thrive’s NextGen Platform provides a differentiated competitive edge in the marketplace,” added Matt Dennett, Principal at Court Square.

“M/C remains a strong advocate of Thrive, its management team, business model and continued trajectory of success.” said Gillis Cashman, Managing Partner at M/C Partners. “We’re thrilled for the opportunity to carry on as investors and partner with Court Square Capital Partners in this next phase of growth.”

Drake Star Partners served as financial advisor and Choate, Hall & Stewart LLP and the BRL Law Group served as legal counsel to the Company on this transaction. Raymond James and 7Mile Advisors served as financial advisors and Dechert LLP served as legal counsel to Court Square Capital. Alliance Bernstein provided financing for the transaction.

For more information about Thrive, click here.

About Thrive

Thrive is a leading provider of NextGen managed services designed to drive business outcomes through application enablement and optimization. The company’s Thrive5 Methodology utilizes a unique combination of its Application Performance Platform and strategic services to ensure each business application takes advantage of technology that enables peak performance, scale, and the highest level of security. For more information, visit thrivenextgen.com

Thrive: LinkedIn, Twitter , Facebook, YouTube and Instagram

MEDIA CONTACT:

Stephanie Farrell, Director of Corporate Marketing

617-952-0289 | sfarrell@thrivenetworks.com

About Court Square

Court Square is a middle market private equity firm with one of the most experienced investment teams in the industry. Since 1979, the team has completed over 235 investments, including several landmark transactions, and has developed numerous businesses into leaders in their respective markets. Court Square invests in companies that have compelling growth potential within the business services, general industrial, healthcare, and technology and telecommunications sectors. The firm has $7.0 billion of assets under management and is based in New York, N.Y. For more information on Court Square, please visit www.courtsquare.com.

ORIGINAL SOURCE:
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/thrive-completes-recapitalization-with-court-square-capital-to-accelerate-growth-301217267.html

Zack Halpryn

Zack Halpryn is an Associate at M|C Partners, where he focuses on investment opportunities in the digital infrastructure and technology services sectors. Prior to joining MC, Zack worked at HarbourVest Partners, where he was focused on buyout and growth equity investments. Previously he worked at Performance Equity Management and Credit Suisse. Zack received a B.B.A in Finance (summa cum laude) from the Isenberg School of Management at UMass Amherst. He currently lives in Boston’s West End and in his spare time enjoys playing sports (volleyball, basketball, golf), reading and watching the Celtics.

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2023

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AccessParks
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TowerCom

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celito

Established in 1999 and based in Raleigh, is a trusted, local communications and managed services provider to businesses leveraging its fully owned fiber network. celito creates technology solutions for businesses across all sectors both large and small. From supplying high-speed Internet service, to providing quality VoIP telecom service, to setting up your office network, they offer turnkey solutions from the desktop to the cloud

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Jason P. Stutman

Jason Stutman is a Senior Fund Accountant at M/C Partners, responsible for the cash management of co-investment vehicles, preparing quarterly financial statements, and communication with Limited Partners. Prior to joining the firm in 2023, Jason worked in the Portfolio Analytics Group at HarbourVest Partners. He earned a BSBA with honors in Finance with a minor in Computer Information Science from The Ohio State University. Jason lives in South Boston and enjoys cheering on Boston sports teams, playing hockey and golf and traveling.

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2023

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Cuba Burch Berner

Cuba Burch Berner is an Associate at M|C Partners, where he focuses on investment opportunities in digital infrastructure and technology services. Prior to joining the firm in 2022, Cuba was an Equity Research Associate at Citi covering infrastructure companies within the telecommunications industry, including data centers and wireless towers. He holds a B.S. in Mathematics with a specialization in Economics from the University of Chicago. Cuba currently lives in Boston’s West End and enjoys a myriad of outdoor activities including running, swimming, hiking, and skiing.

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AccentHealth operates an out-of-home advertising network that reaches over 12,000 physician office waiting areas in the U.S. – JOHN WATKINS

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James F. Wade

Jim Wade co-founded M/C Partners in 1986 with Dave Croll. He has been investing in communications and technology services since the advent of wireless and broadband, cornerstones of the firm’s sector focus. As Chairman, he manages the firm’s investment process, and continuously seeks out management teams, company prospects and financial resources to grow the portfolio. Jim’s successful track record includes MetroPCS (IPO), Lightower Holdings (acquired by Berkshire Partners), Cavalier Telephone (acquired by PAETEC), NuVox Communications (acquired by WindStream), Attenda (acquired by Darwin Private Equity), Melita (acquired by Apax Partners), PR Wireless (joint venture with Sprint affiliate in Puerto Rico), Thrive Networks (acquired/recapitalized by Court Square) and Involta (acquired by Carlyle Group). Today he serves as a director on the Board of Connectivity Wireless and has responsibility for Omega Wireless. Jim graduated from the University of Notre Dame a B.B.A in Finance and received an MBA from Harvard Business School. He lives outside Boston with his wife and four children. Jim was an avid boater and is now an average golfer.

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Abhishek Rampuria

Abhishek (A.B.) is a Partner at M/C Partners, where he leads origination, deal diligence and portfolio company support for investments in a variety of communications and technology services segments. He currently serves on the Board of Ascend Technologies, Connectivity Wireless, Edafio Technology Partners, TowerCom and serves as a Board Observer for Thrive Networks. A.B. previously served as a Board Observer for Ensono (acquired by KKR) and QOS Networks (acquired by Zayo). Prior to joining M/C Partners in 2015, A.B. worked at Altman Solon (formerly Altman Vilandrie), a technology, media & telecommunications focused strategy consulting firm, where he completed projects for both operating companies and private equity investors. A.B. received a B.S. in Materials Science & Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He lives in Boston’s South End and outside of work, enjoys skiing, cycling, traveling and cheering on his home-town Patriots and Celtics.

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Thrive Networks

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Ascend Technologies
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TowerCom