Francisco Partners (“FP”), a leading technology-focused private equity firm, today announced its intent to acquire Orchard Software Corporation (“Orchard”), a privately owned company specializing in developing and supporting award-winning Laboratory Information Systems (LIS) that enhance clinical and pathology laboratory workflow, as well as support laboratory outreach and point-of-care testing (POCT).
“We look forward to the partnership with the FP team and are excited about fueling what has made Orchard successful with additional expertise and capital to accelerate our growth and continue to bring innovation to our customers,” said Rob Bush, Founder and CEO. As part of the transaction, Billie Whitehurst will succeed Bush as CEO. Whitehurst has more than 20 years of experience leading high growth health information technology businesses, most recently serving as Senior Vice President at Netsmart. Prior to that, Whitehurst held senior roles at Change Healthcare and McKesson.
“Francisco Partners’ deep experience in healthcare technology and proven track record in nurturing and growing technology businesses will enable Orchard Software’s loyal base of employees to continue delivering market leading solutions and new innovations,” said Whitehurst.
Orchard specializes in seamless integration, advanced rules-based decision support, and data analytics. Their strength comes from developing collaborative partnerships with clients to deliver the very best solutions on the market. Orchard has been a leader in KLAS rankings since 2002 and remains the top LIS in the community and ambulatory laboratory markets. For the eighth year in a row and ninth time overall since 2009, Orchard Software was named to the Indianapolis Star’s Top Workplaces list for 2019.
“Orchard has been the pioneer in the LIS industry, developing market-leading products and maintaining strong, long-standing customer relationships,” said Jonathan Murphy of Francisco Partners. “They are well positioned to continue to drive product innovation in the LIS market, and we are excited about the opportunity in POCT and partnering with the team to accelerate the company to new levels of growth and impact for laboratorians across the US.”
Wilson Sonsini Goodrich and Rosati served as legal advisor to Francisco Partners. Brentwood Capital Advisors served as financial advisor to Orchard Software and Bose McKinney & Evans LLP served as legal advisor.
About Orchard Software Corporation
Orchard Software Corporation, founded in 1993, is a leader in the laboratory information system industry and offers a variety of laboratory system solutions. Orchard’s products are installed in all sizes of multi-site and multi-specialty physician groups and clinics, hospitals, independent reference labs, student health centers, veterinary labs, and public health organizations. Orchard serves more than 1,500 laboratories across the country, helping them improve efficiency, reduce errors, and enhance integration. For more information on Orchard Software Corporation, visit www.orchardsoft.com.
About Francisco Partners
Francisco Partners is a leading global private equity firm that specializes in investments in technology and technology-enabled businesses. Since its launch 20 years ago, Francisco Partners has raised over $14 billion in capital and invested in more than 200 technology companies, making it one of the most active and longstanding investors in the technology industry. The firm invests in opportunities where its deep knowledge and operational expertise can help companies realize their full potential. For more information on Francisco Partners, please visit www.franciscopartners.com.
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