1. Ian Kieninger, Avant and Ted Schuman, PlanetOne
It was an M&A stunner. Avant is buying PlanetOne in a landmark deal for the technology advisory space. The story was our most read of the week.
Chicago-based Avant’s merger with PlanetOne brings PlanetOne’s team as well as its business intelligence platform – Sentient – into the fold.
“The acquisition of PlanetOne is an instant multiplier for the people, partners and providers working with and for Avant and PlanetOne,” Avant CEO Ian Kieninger said.
The transaction, whose financial details were not disclosed, offers synergies between the Sentient and Avant Pathfinder applications, the companies said.
“The synergies gained from merging the sales excellence and technical talent of Avant with the back-office, operational efficiencies and partner enablement energy of PlanetOne were undeniable — it was the right deal at the right time and for the right reasons,” said PlanetOne CEO Ted Schuman said.
Go here for the partner perspective regarding the deal. For continued coverage of the merger, visit here and here.