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Transactions

September 2015
Boston, MA
has been acquired by
Windsor, CT


Background

Varden Technologies, Inc., located in Boston, MA is a leading provider of client communications software for the financial services industry. The Company’s mission-critical, highly versatile software is used to transform the large amounts of financial services data into simple, ready-to-serve client reviews, statements, sales-related collateral, and interactive online content. The Company offers a world-class suite of tools to improve the quality, timeliness, and flexibility of information. Its software platform delivers end-to-end solutions for designing, producing, and distributing online, mobile and printed client communications content.

In March 2015, Varden’s founder and CEO hired M&A to advise on a potential sale of the Company.



Overview

M&A organized a dedicated team to work closely with the Company to identify strengths and weaknesses of the Company and to develop materials that would seamlessly communicate Varden’s story, growth potential, strategy, execution plan and financial projections. Working with Varden’s management, M&A identified and approached strategic parties and a limited number of private equity firms that we believed could be interested in partnering with the Company. There was significant interest in the company from a wide range of potential partners. M&A leveraged its deep domain expertise, significant knowledge of the global Financial Technology universe to manage a process that involved parties from North America. M&A helped frame the Company’s unique value proposition and growth potential and then spent the time with these parties to ensure that they fully understood the story.

After a review of its options, careful consideration, and negotiation, Varden agreed to be acquired by SS&C (Nasdaq: SSNC), a global diversified provider of cloud-based services and software for the global financial services industry. The strategic fit with SS&C was solid: Varden and SS&C were already their selling solutions together under a collaborative partnership. Both sides came to believe that this acquisition would enhance many of SS&C’s key solutions across their customer groups, particularly bolstering its offerings that support reporting for asset managers. Further, both companies believed that customers would benefit from SS&C’s global reach and broader product line. The combination would also accelerate Varden’s organic growth plan by broadening its distribution.

M&A Role

M&A worked diligently on the deal to craft materials, initiate conversations, negotiate alternative offers with multiple parties and final legal documents swiftly. Marlin & Associates acted as exclusive strategic and financial advisor to the shareholders and managers of Varden.

Press

SS&C Acquires Varden Technologies

September 02, 2015

Acquisition increases SS&C’s enterprise reporting technology and expertise

WINDSOR, CT, September 2, 2015 - SS&C Technologies Holdings, Inc. (“SS&C”) (Nasdaq:SSNC), a leading global provider of financial services software and software-enabled services, today announced the acquisition of Varden Technologies, a leading provider of client and advisor communication solutions for investment firms.

"This acquisition creates a compelling advantage for SS&C customers as they access, attract and manage assets,” commented Bill Stone, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, SS&C Technologies. “The move reaffirms SS&C as a leader in cloud-based enterprise reporting for financial services firms of all sizes. Combining Varden’s end-to-end communication solution with SS&C is a milestone in our strategy to simplify operations for our customers.”

Headquartered in Boston, MA, with approximately 31 employees, Varden’s client and advisor communications suite unifies advanced print online and wireless communications delivering a rich, interactive, online experience. Varden currently serves 100+ mutual fund, wealth management, and fund administration clients ranging from $50 million to $300 billion in assets under management (AUM).

"Joining SS&C is both a strategic and exciting move for us and our customers,” said Perry Harris, President at Varden Technologies. “Combining Varden with SS&C enables us to significantly enhance the scale and power of our platform, and continue to work with our clients to lead the innovation of client reporting and communications.”

About SS&C Technologies

SS&C is a global provider of investment and financial software-enabled services and software focused exclusively on the global financial services industry. Founded in 1986, SS&C has its headquarters in Windsor, Connecticut and offices around the world. Some 10,000 financial services organizations, from the world’s largest institutions to local firms, manage and account for their investments using SS&C's products and services. These clients in the aggregate manage over $44 trillion in assets.

Additional information about SS&C (Nasdaq:SSNC) is available at www.ssctech.com.

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