Sikich Investment leads Google’s purchase of Zave

Marketwire

CHICAGO — Sikich Investment Banking said it successfully led Google Inc.’s recent acquisition of Kansas City, Kan.-based Zave Networks.

Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

ick Herbst, a partner with Sikich Investment Banking, the exclusive sell-side adviser to Zave Networks’ management team and investors for the transaction, said the sale of the digital incentive (mobile and online coupon) technology company is a clear affirmation of the innovation and potential for value creation and business growth resident in the Midwest.

“This acquisition represents more than just a positive for Kansas City,” said Herbst. “To attract a company like Google to purchase a young company founded and based in the Midwest speaks volumes about the caliber of talent, technology and value of businesses we are fortunate enough to foster and enjoy in our region.”

Christopher Geier, partner-in-charge for Sikich Investment Banking, said the firm is “committed to building a sophisticated investment banking group dedicated to helping clients build and realize the full value of their investment and efforts.

“Part of our service is partnering with clients to create the type of business value necessary to attract companies like Google,” Geier added. “So when we help them realize that value, it is very fulfilling. This is exactly the kind of transaction we’re committed to doing more of at Sikich.”

As the sell-side adviser, Herbst and the Sikich team were instrumental in collaborating with both the management team and investors of Zave Networks to evolve its strategy and ultimately to engineer a transaction that allowed both the employee stakeholders and investors to realize their objectives.

“The sale of Zave to Google represents a major transaction in the wireless, communications and digital incentive space,” said Ronald T. LeMay, managing director with OpenAir Equity Partners, a venture capital firm focused on the wireless, communications and mobile Internet sectors and the primary investor in Zave Networks. “The experience and knowledge of Rick and the team at Sikich were instrumental in negotiating a highly complex transaction through to a successful outcome.”