Berkshire Partners has completed its acquisition of Accela, a provider of civic engagement software solutions for state, county and municipal governments. Abry Partners, an existing shareholder, will remain an investor in the company. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
“Accela’s platform can transform how local and state governments interact with businesses and other constituents,” says Tom Kuo, a Managing Director at Berkshire Partners. “We believe the company has enormous growth potential as it continues bringing leading technology to civic systems.”
Based in San Ramon, California, the company currently serves over 2,000 customers worldwide. Accela’s platform streamlines critical functions that drive day-to-day operations of a municipality such as permitting and licensing solutions and land management tools which can be delivered via cloud or on premise. By utilizing innovative software solutions to enhance these core civic processes and relieve administrative burdens, governments are able to better serve citizens and businesses in their communities.
“We are excited to work with the team at Berkshire Partners,” says Ed Daihl, CEO of Accela. “Berkshire brings the experience and expertise needed as we embark on this next chapter of growth and investment for the company.”
“Accela has a unique combination of excellent product, talented leadership and tremendous growth opportunities in the United States and abroad,” says Mark Jung, Executive Chairman of the Board of Accela and an Advisory Director at Berkshire Partners. “I look forward to partnering with Berkshire, Ed and the rest of the team as the company continues its impressive growth.”
Ropes & Gray LLP provided legal counsel to Berkshire Partners, Kirkland & Ellis LLP provided legal counsel to Abry Partners and Morrison & Foerster LLP provided legal counsel for Accela. Golub Capital, Antares Capital and Owl Rock Capital provided debt financing to support the transaction.
