Latest news with #SmartCommunications
Techday NZ
6 days ago
- Business
- Techday NZ
Cinven acquires majority stake in Smart Communications for growth
Cinven has acquired a majority stake in Smart Communications, a cloud-based platform for enterprise customer communications. Smart Communications confirmed that the international private equity firm Cinven has taken a majority shareholding in the business. The company said this move supports its plans for long-term growth and accelerates expansion in regulated sectors. Previous investor Accel-KKR, which initially backed Smart Communications in 2016, will maintain a minority equity interest after the transaction completes. Financial terms have not been disclosed, and completion of the deal is subject to regulatory approvals and standard closing conditions. Business focus and clients Smart Communications provides its Conversation Cloud platform, which is designed for highly regulated industries requiring personalised yet compliant conversations across communication channels. The company says more than 650 organisations globally - including Zurich Insurance, Priority Health, The Pacific Financial Group, and The Bancorp - use its services to automate complex processes, manage risk, and support secure digital-first experiences. Leigh Segall, Chief Executive Officer of Smart Communications, commented on the new backing: "Cinven's conviction in our vision and recognition of our platform, market opportunity and customer momentum reinforce the strength of what we've built. With their deep expertise in technology and global growth, we are poised to accelerate our global expansion, advance our product innovation, and unlock even more value for clients in regulated industries. I'm thrilled to welcome Cinven as our new strategic partner as we mark an exciting new chapter for Smart Communications." Recent developments The transaction follows several recent developments for Smart Communications, including the April acquisition of Joisto, a cloud archiving provider. That technology was subsequently integrated into Smart Communications' new SmartHUB digital archiving solution, launched in June. The company has received recognition from research analysts such as IDC, Aspire, and Aragon Research for its work in the customer communication space. Investor perspective Thomas Railhac, Partner and Head of Cinven's Technology, Media and Telecommunications sector team, highlighted the rationale for the acquisition: "Smart Communications' differentiated, cloud-native SaaS technology and strong track record of serving enterprise customers in regulated sectors such as financial services, insurance, and healthcare make it a true stand-out in the industry. The company's relentless focus on innovation, deep customer relationships, and impressive growth perfectly align perfectly with Cinven's strategic vision. We're excited to partner with the Smart team and leverage our global footprint and operational expertise to help scale the business and unlock new growth opportunities." Adam Prindis, Partner at Cinven, also commented on the company's performance and potential: "Smart Communications exemplifies the qualities we seek in a transformative technology investment – a truly global addressable market, an innovative product suite and outstanding customer feedback. The company's ability to drive tangible value for customers, while maintaining impressive operational resilience, translates into best-in-class financial metrics. We are excited to collaborate, accelerating their expansion into new geographies and verticals, and building on a truly strong foundation." Details regarding the next steps in the transaction, including the expected timeframe for completion, were not disclosed by the companies. Follow us on: Share on:
Yahoo
01-08-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Smart Communications Announces Strategic Investment from Cinven for Long-Term Growth
International PE firm backs Smart's bold vision to transform customer conversations in regulated industries LONDON, August 01, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Smart Communications, a leading technology company focused on helping highly-regulated organizations engage in more meaningful customer conversations, today announced that international private equity firm Cinven has acquired a majority stake in the company. This strategic investment reinforces Smart's position as the world's leading cloud-native provider of customer communications and interactive experience management technology. As part of the agreement, private equity firm Accel-KKR, which first backed Smart Communications in 2016, will retain a minority equity ownership position in the company going forward. Smart Communications' Conversation Cloud™ platform is purpose-built for regulated enterprises – empowering them to deliver personalized, compliant conversations across every channel. More than 650 leading organizations worldwide, including Zurich Insurance, Priority Health, The Pacific Financial Group, and The Bancorp, rely on Smart Communications to simplify and automate complex processes, reduce risk, improve operational efficiency, and drive secure, frictionless digital-first experiences. "Cinven's conviction in our vision and recognition of our platform, market opportunity and customer momentum reinforce the strength of what we've built," said Leigh Segall, Chief Executive Officer, Smart Communications. "With their deep expertise in technology and global growth, we are poised to accelerate our global expansion, advance our product innovation, and unlock even more value for clients in regulated industries. I'm thrilled to welcome Cinven as our new strategic partner as we mark an exciting new chapter for Smart Communications." Today's announcement follows a series of strategic investments by Smart Communications in the rapidly evolving customer conversation market. In April, Smart Communications announced the acquisition of cloud archiving provider Joisto and integrated the company's groundbreaking technology in its new SmartHUB™ digital archiving solution, which was unveiled in June. Smart's technological leadership and product innovation have also been consistently recognized by renowned analysts such as IDC, Aspire and Aragon Research. "Smart Communications' differentiated, cloud-native SaaS technology and strong track record of serving enterprise customers in regulated sectors such as financial services, insurance, and healthcare make it a true stand-out in the industry," said Thomas Railhac, partner and Head of Cinven's TMT sector team. "The company's relentless focus on innovation, deep customer relationships, and impressive growth perfectly align perfectly with Cinven's strategic vision. We're excited to partner with the team and leverage our global footprint and operational expertise to help scale the business and unlock new growth opportunities." "Smart Communications exemplifies the qualities we seek in a transformative technology investment – a truly global addressable market, an innovative product suite and outstanding customer feedback," added Adam Prindis, partner, Cinven. "The company's ability to drive tangible value for customers, while maintaining impressive operational resilience, translates into best-in-class financial metrics. We are excited to collaborate, accelerating their expansion into new geographies and verticals, and building on a truly strong foundation." Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. About Smart Communications Smart Communications is the trusted choice for regulated enterprises looking to modernize complex processes and connect with customers in the moments that matter most. Its Conversation Cloud™ platform powers frictionless, compliant, digital-first experiences through omnichannel communications, intelligent data capture, and secure digital archival. More than 650 enterprises worldwide - including Zurich Insurance, Priority Health, The Pacific Financial Group, and The Bancorp - rely on Smart Communications to reduce compliance risk, boost operational efficiency, lower costs, and fast-track digital transformation that fuels business growth and elevates the customer experience. With more than 30 pre-built connectors, Smart Communications' cloud-native platform integrates effortlessly with the world's most trusted enterprise systems including Salesforce, Guidewire, DuckCreek, OneSpan, and Pega, enabling more than 60 billion mission-critical customer conversations globally, and driving faster time to value. About Cinven Cinven is a leading international private equity firm focused on building world-class global and European companies. Its funds invest in six key sectors: Business Services, Consumer, Financial Services, Healthcare, Industrials and Technology, Media and Telecommunications (TMT). Cinven has offices in London, New York, Frankfurt, Paris, Milan, Madrid, Guernsey and Luxembourg. Cinven takes a responsible approach towards its portfolio companies, their employees, suppliers, local communities, the environment and society. Cinven Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Cinven Fund Management S.à r.l. is authorised and regulated by the Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier. In this press release 'Cinven' means, depending on the context, any of or collectively, Cinven Holdings Guernsey Limited, Cinven Partnership LLP, and their respective Associates (as defined in the Companies Act 2006) and/or funds managed or advised by any of the foregoing. For additional information on Cinven please visit and View source version on Contacts Media Contacts Red Lorry Yellow Lorry (on behalf of Smart Communications)Alex JafarzadehTel. +1 (617) 608-8852Email. smartcommunications@ Cinven Clare BradshawTel. +44 (0)7881 918 967Email. Alison RaymondTel. +44 (0)7826 856198Email. Brunswick Group (Advisers to Cinven) Cinven@ Joanna DonneTel. +44 (0)7834 307 881Email. jdonne@ Max McGahanTel. +44 (0) 7834 502369Email. mmcgahan@ Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
01-08-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Accel-KKR to Sell Majority Interest in Smart Communications to Cinven
MENLO PARK, Calif. and LONDON, Aug. 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Accel-KKR, a global software and technology-focused private equity firm, today announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to sell a majority equity interest in Smart Communications ("Smart"), the leading provider for cloud-based enterprise customer communications, to Cinven. Accel-KKR will retain a minority equity ownership position in Smart going forward. Other terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Smart Communications' Conversation Cloud™ platform is purpose-built for regulated enterprises – empowering them to deliver personalized, compliant conversations across every channel. More than 650 leading organizations worldwide, including Zurich Insurance, Priority Health, The Pacific Financial Group, and The Bancorp, rely on Smart Communications to simplify and automate complex processes, reduce risk, improve operational efficiency, and drive secure, frictionless digital-first experiences. Accel-KKR first backed Smart Communications in 2016, following its spinoff from Thunderhead and launch as an independent company. Over the course of its nine-year partnership with Accel-KKR, Smart built a strong, seasoned leadership team and achieved more than 5x revenue growth, firmly establishing itself as a leader in the cloud CCM (Customer Communications Management) and IXM (Interaction Experience Management) markets. Over the period, Smart cemented its leadership position in North America and completed three acquisitions that expanded its business into new geographies, including Australia, DACH and the Nordics. Tom Barnds, Co-Managing Partner at Accel-KKR, said, "We have been delighted to work with the outstanding Smart Communications management team as they established it as an independent company and brought innovation to the global CCM and IXM markets through accelerated investment in R&D, the launch of new products, and by entering into new geographic markets. While we will sell a majority interest in Smart to Cinven, we look forward to continuing to participate in the company's growth through an ongoing minority equity ownership position." For Accel-KKR, the sale of its majority interest in Smart represents the firm's fourth $1 billion-plus realization in Europe, building upon its successful exits from Kerridge Commercial Systems, JAGGAER, and Episerver. "We strongly believe Cinven will be a great partner for the Smart Communications management team going forward given their track records with previous Accel-KKR investments JAGGAER and said Maurice Hernandez, Managing Director at Accel-KKR who heads the firm's London office. Accel-KKR has completed nearly 90 investments and acquisitions of software companies in Europe since its inception, making the firm one of the most active private equity software investors in Europe. Other leading Accel-KKR software companies in Europe include NAVTOR, Reapit, Basware, Kantata and Symfonia. "From day one, Accel-KKR has been an exceptional partner – supportive, strategic, and deeply invested in our success. Together we've built an industry-defining platform, enduring relationships with customers and partners, and an extraordinarily talented team of employees. With these achievements as our foundation, I'm thrilled that Accel-KKR will continue to be a part of our next chapter with Cinven," said Leigh Segall, CEO of Smart Communications. The transaction is subject to customary regulatory approvals and closing conditions. About Smart CommunicationsSmart Communications is the trusted choice for regulated enterprises looking to modernize complex processes and connect with customers in the moments that matter most. Its Conversation Cloud™ platform powers frictionless, compliant, digital-first experiences through omnichannel communications, intelligent data capture, and secure digital archival. More than 650 enterprises worldwide - including Zurich Insurance, Priority Health, The Pacific Financial Group, and The Bancorp - rely on Smart Communications to reduce compliance risk, boost operational efficiency, lower costs, and fast-track digital transformation that fuels business growth and elevates the customer experience. With more than 30 pre-built connectors, Smart Communications' cloud-native platform integrates effortlessly with the world's most trusted enterprise systems including Salesforce, Guidewire, DuckCreek, OneSpan, and Pega, enabling more than 60 billion mission-critical customer conversations globally, and driving faster time to value. About Accel-KKRAccel-KKR is a technology-focused investment firm with $23 billion in cumulative capital commitments. The firm focuses on software and tech-enabled businesses, well-positioned for top-line and bottom-line growth. At the core of Accel-KKR's investment strategy is a commitment to developing strong partnerships with the management teams of its partner companies and a focus on building value alongside management by leveraging the significant resources available through the Accel-KKR network. Accel-KKR focuses on middle-market companies and provides a broad range of capital solutions, including buyout capital, minority-growth investments, secondaries, and credit alternatives. Accel-KKR also invests across various transaction types, including private company recapitalizations, divisional carve-outs and going-private transactions. Accel-KKR's headquarters is in Menlo Park, with offices in Atlanta, Chicago, London, and Mexico City. For more, visit Contact:Todd Fogarty, Kekst CNCT +1 212 521 4854 View original content: SOURCE Accel-KKR Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Business Wire
01-08-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Smart Communications Announces Strategic Investment from Cinven for Long-Term Growth
LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Smart Communications, a leading technology company focused on helping highly-regulated organizations engage in more meaningful customer conversations, today announced that international private equity firm Cinven has acquired a majority stake in the company. This strategic investment reinforces Smart's position as the world's leading cloud-native provider of customer communications and interactive experience management technology. As part of the agreement, private equity firm Accel-KKR, which first backed Smart Communications in 2016, will retain a minority equity ownership position in the company going forward. Smart Communications' Conversation Cloud™ platform is purpose-built for regulated enterprises – empowering them to deliver personalized, compliant conversations across every channel. More than 650 leading organizations worldwide, including Zurich Insurance, Priority Health, The Pacific Financial Group, and The Bancorp, rely on Smart Communications to simplify and automate complex processes, reduce risk, improve operational efficiency, and drive secure, frictionless digital-first experiences. 'Cinven's conviction in our vision and recognition of our platform, market opportunity and customer momentum reinforce the strength of what we've built,' said Leigh Segall, Chief Executive Officer, Smart Communications. 'With their deep expertise in technology and global growth, we are poised to accelerate our global expansion, advance our product innovation, and unlock even more value for clients in regulated industries. I'm thrilled to welcome Cinven as our new strategic partner as we mark an exciting new chapter for Smart Communications.' Today's announcement follows a series of strategic investments by Smart Communications in the rapidly evolving customer conversation market. In April, Smart Communications announced the acquisition of cloud archiving provider Joisto and integrated the company's groundbreaking technology in its new SmartHUB™ digital archiving solution, which was unveiled in June. Smart's technological leadership and product innovation have also been consistently recognized by renowned analysts such as IDC, Aspire and Aragon Research. 'Smart Communications' differentiated, cloud-native SaaS technology and strong track record of serving enterprise customers in regulated sectors such as financial services, insurance, and healthcare make it a true stand-out in the industry,' said Thomas Railhac, partner and Head of Cinven's TMT sector team. 'The company's relentless focus on innovation, deep customer relationships, and impressive growth perfectly align perfectly with Cinven's strategic vision. We're excited to partner with the team and leverage our global footprint and operational expertise to help scale the business and unlock new growth opportunities.' 'Smart Communications exemplifies the qualities we seek in a transformative technology investment – a truly global addressable market, an innovative product suite and outstanding customer feedback,' added Adam Prindis, partner, Cinven. 'The company's ability to drive tangible value for customers, while maintaining impressive operational resilience, translates into best-in-class financial metrics. We are excited to collaborate, accelerating their expansion into new geographies and verticals, and building on a truly strong foundation.' Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. About Smart Communications Smart Communications is the trusted choice for regulated enterprises looking to modernize complex processes and connect with customers in the moments that matter most. Its Conversation Cloud™ platform powers frictionless, compliant, digital-first experiences through omnichannel communications, intelligent data capture, and secure digital archival. More than 650 enterprises worldwide - including Zurich Insurance, Priority Health, The Pacific Financial Group, and The Bancorp - rely on Smart Communications to reduce compliance risk, boost operational efficiency, lower costs, and fast-track digital transformation that fuels business growth and elevates the customer experience. With more than 30 pre-built connectors, Smart Communications' cloud-native platform integrates effortlessly with the world's most trusted enterprise systems including Salesforce, Guidewire, DuckCreek, OneSpan, and Pega, enabling more than 60 billion mission-critical customer conversations globally, and driving faster time to value. About Cinven Cinven is a leading international private equity firm focused on building world-class global and European companies. Its funds invest in six key sectors: Business Services, Consumer, Financial Services, Healthcare, Industrials and Technology, Media and Telecommunications (TMT). Cinven has offices in London, New York, Frankfurt, Paris, Milan, Madrid, Guernsey and Luxembourg. Cinven takes a responsible approach towards its portfolio companies, their employees, suppliers, local communities, the environment and society. Cinven Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Cinven Fund Management S.à r.l. is authorised and regulated by the Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier. In this press release 'Cinven' means, depending on the context, any of or collectively, Cinven Holdings Guernsey Limited, Cinven Partnership LLP, and their respective Associates (as defined in the Companies Act 2006) and/or funds managed or advised by any of the foregoing. For additional information on Cinven please visit and
GMA Network
22-07-2025
- Climate
- GMA Network
PLDT, Smart provide free calls, texts, data for storm-hit customers
Two people walk on a flooded road in Candaba, Pampanga on July 22, 2025. 24 Oras video PLDT Inc. and its wireless unit Smart Communications on Tuesday announced they are providing free calls, texts, and 250MB of data to affected customers in areas severely impacted by the Crising-enhanced Habagat rains. In a news release, PLDT-Smart said free calls, text, and data are now accessible to subscribers in Angono, Bataan, Bulacan, Cainta, Las Piñas, Marikina, Mindoro, Pampanga, Pangasinan, Pasig, Tarlac, Taytay, and Zambales. The telco said it will continue to monitor conditions and coordinate with local authorities to extend assistance where needed. 'Staying connected is a lifeline in times like these,' said Manuel Pangilinan, chairman and CEO of PLDT-Smart. Anastacio Martirez, COO of Smart, added, 'We've activated free calls, texts, and data in affected areas so our customers can reach out for help, or to their loved ones. Keeping our network up and our services available is our top priority.' Pangilinan, who is also president and CEO of Meralco, also directed the power distributor to position and deploy high bed and amphibious trucks, motorized boats, and trained rescue teams in flooded areas. PLDT-Smart said its Smart Cares Crisis Hotline (+63288457799) remains open to help customers connect with family members and receive safety advisories. Customers are encouraged to follow official government bulletins and take necessary precautions, the telco said. — BM, GMA Integrated News
