Library Technology Guides

Francisco Partners joins forces with H.I.G. Capital to acquire and invest in RBmedia. Francisco Partners, a leading global investment firm, specializing in technology and media-focused businesses, announced that it has partnered with H.I.G. Capital and RBmedia's management to complete the acquisition of RBmedia from KKR. With this investment, H.I.G. and Francisco Partners will support RBmedia, the leading audiobook publisher in the world, in the continued growth of the company's vast catalog of spoken content and powerful distribution network that reaches millions of global listeners. Founded in 1979 and headquartered in Landover, Maryland, RBmedia's award-winning catalog of over 66,000 titles is available through more than 50 digital listening platforms, including Audible, Spotify, Apple, Google Play, Scribd, Storytel, OverDrive, Hoopla, and others. Over the last five years, the company has doubled its catalog of content to deliver diverse options to its listeners. [Full Announcement].

Francisco Partners announces sale of Discovery Education. Discovery Education, a global edtech company whose digital learning software platform supports educators and improves student achievement, announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by an affiliate of Clearlake Capital Group. Upon closing of the transaction, Clearlake will become the majority shareholder while Francisco Partners will retain a minority equity stake. Scott Kinney, CEO of Discovery Education, will continue to lead the Company supported by the existing management team. The terms of the transaction were not disclosed. [Full Announcement].

Francisco Partners portfolio company Renaissance announces significant growth investment from Blackstone. Renaissance, a global leader in pre-K–12 educational technology, announced its entry into a definitive agreement for private equity funds managed by Blackstone to make a significant equity investment in the Company alongside existing investors including Francisco Partners and TPG's The Rise Fund. Francisco Partners, a leading global investment firm that specializes in partnering with technology businesses, acquired the Company in 2018 and will remain a major shareholder. Blackstone's investment will be made through its flagship private equity vehicle. [Full Announcement].

Francisco Partners to acquire leading legal education provider BARBRI. Francisco Partners, a leading global investment firm that specializes in partnering with technology businesses, announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire BARBRI Inc. from Leeds Equity Partners. Terms of the transaction were not announced. [Full Announcement].

Discovery Education acquires Mystery Science. Discovery Education, the global leader in standards-aligned digital curriculum resources, engaging content, and professional learning for K-12 classrooms, announced the acquisition of the popular K-5 science and STEM curriculum Mystery Science. Created in San Francisco, California, Mystery Science is used in more than 50 percent of United States' elementary schools each month. [Full Announcement].

Renaissance Acquires Student-Centered, Teacher-Driven Math Solution. Renaissance, a global leader in pre-K–12 education technology, announced that it has acquired Freckle Education, a company that provides a differentiation platform for all four core subjects: math, social studies, science and English language arts. This acquisition will expand and enhance educators' opportunities to accelerate student learning, especially in the critical math skills students need to be college and career ready. [Full Announcement].

Francisco Partners makes growth investment in Civitas Learning. Civitas Learning announced a significant growth investment from Francisco Partners, alongside current education and impact investors including Rethink Education, SJF Ventures, and Lumina Foundation. The Austin-based company pioneered the use of advanced data science, design thinking, and machine learning to inform initiatives and improve student outcomes. [Full Announcement].

Francisco Partners completes acquisition of Renaissance. Francisco Partners and Renaissance, a leader in pre-K–12 learning analytics, announced that their previously announced transaction has closed. This transaction builds upon Francisco Partners' strength in education investing, having completed investments previously in myON, a leading provider of digital literacy solutions, and Discovery Education, Inc., the leading provider of digital content and professional development for K–12 classrooms around the world. [Full Announcement].

Francisco Partners to acquire Renaissance. Renaissance, a leader in pre-K–12 learning analytics, announced that Francisco Partners, a leading technology-focused global private equity firm, has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Renaissance from Hellman & Friedman and its other stockholders. In conjunction with the closing, Chris Bauleke, the former CEO of myON, now a part of Renaissance, will succeed Daniel Hamburger as Chief Executive Officer of Renaissance. Hamburger will remain with the company as a Special Advisor. [Full Announcement].

Renaissance acquires myON to expand digital literacy solutions. Renaissance, a leader in pre-K–12 learning analytics, announced the acquisition of myON, a leading provider of digital literacy solutions, from Francisco Partners. [Full Announcement].

Discovery Education to receive significant growth investment from Francisco Partners. Francisco Partners, a leading global technology-focused private equity firm, and Discovery Education, Inc., the leading provider of digital content and professional development for K-12 classrooms around the world, announced that Francisco Partners has agreed to acquire majority ownership of Discovery Education from Discovery Communications, Inc. [Full Announcement].

New chapter for myON as an Independent Literacy Software Company. Capstone, a leading publisher of children's books and digital reading products and services, announced that Francisco Partners, a leading technology investment firm, has acquired myON. In conjunction with the transaction, Francisco Partners plans to make a significant growth investment in myON. [Full Announcement].