Cherry Tree advises Avtex Solutions on its sale to Marquette Companies, a part of the Pohlad Companies

Capital Investment firm builds its technology portfolio

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 Companies. 

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 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 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 customized, technology-enabled solutions. They are a quality organization and are nationally recognized as a leading provider of Microsoft 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.