Transaction Overview
- Represented 3M Library Systems in its sale to Bibliotheca.
- 3M Library System is the global leader in providing innovative, tech-enabled library solutions to public, higher education, K-12, and special libraries. For over 40 years, Library Systems has delivered leading-edge on-premise hardware and software, maintenance and service, and more recently a cloud-based digital lending platform. The business serves over 23,000 customers worldwide and maintained long-term relationships – creating a defensible, highly attractive financial model.
- Bibliotheca focuses on the development of solutions that help sustain and grow libraries around the world. The company has direct operational offices and dedicated distributors in all major continents, offering their solutions in over 70 countries.
Key Observations
- The combination of the #1 player (3M Library Systems) and the #2 Bibliotheca provides customers access to one, seamless business and operation that offers best-in-class solutions worldwide. In particular, 3M’s contributions include top-notch technology, a broad and capable sales and marketing footprint, and a world-class engineering organization. Bibliotheca, backed by the private equity group One Equity Partners was interested in acquiring the 3M carve-out to consolidate the top, best-in-class players, derive the synergies benefits expected, and rollout the cloud Library digital platform with expanding eBook and audiobook collections, worldwide.