Transaction
Quarton International is pleased to announce that it served as exclusive financial advisor to ACE Tech Inc. d/b/a Auto Credit Express (“ACE”) in its sale to Internet Brands, a portfolio company of KKR (NYSE: KKR).
Client

ACE Tech Inc. d/b/a Auto Credit Express is a provider of lead management programs and integrated marketing services to automotive dealerships. Its value proposition is rooted in simplifying the sales conversion process for dealerships and educating consumers with less-than-perfect credit when financing and or purchasing a new or used vehicle. ACE has developed a robust suite of proprietary software, algorithms and systems utilized to drive all facets of the business model. Each month, ACE generates more than 150,000 credit applications through search engine optimization, pay-per-click and exclusive partnerships with leading websites catering to consumers that are in the market for a new or used vehicle. For the last four consecutive years, ACE has been recognized by Inc. magazine as one of the 5000 fastest-growing private companies in the United States. ACE is headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan.
Buyer

KKR is a leading global investment firm that manages investments across multiple asset classes including private equity, energy, infrastructure, real estate, credit and hedge funds. KKR aims to generate attractive investment returns by following a patient and disciplined investment approach, employing world-class people, and driving growth and value creation at the asset level. KKR invests its own capital alongside its partners’ capital and brings opportunities to others through its capital markets business. References to KKR’s investments may include the activities of its sponsored funds.”

Internet Brands, headquartered in El Segundo, California, is a fully integrated online media and software services organization focused on four high-value vertical categories: Automotive, Health, Legal and Home / Travel. The company’s award-winning consumer websites lead their categories and serve more than 100 million monthly visitors, while a full range of web presence offerings has established deep, long-term relationships with SMB and enterprise clients. Internet Brands’ powerful, propriety operating platform provides the flexibility and scalability to fuel the company’s continued growth.