Commify strengthens US expansion with the acquisition of Text Request

16/10/2024
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Commify, the global leader in business messaging solutions to Local Enterprises, announced its further expansion in the US with the acquisition of Tennessee-based Text Request. The acquisition is Commify’s 18th since 2013 and its second since our investment.

ECI invested in Commify in 2023, valuing the business at €300 million, and the acquisition represents Commify’s biggest investment to date, further demonstrating our commitment to growing and scaling its international presence.

Text Request, founded in 2014, is a SaaS platform that provides a plug and play texting service, including conversational and customer engagement messaging solutions to small and medium sized businesses across the US. The business has scaled rapidly, growing at 60% a year from 2021 to 2024 and is approaching $15m ARR and $20m total revenue. Text Request serves over 7,500 loyal customers, won and grown through best-in-class digital marketing and exceptional local service from a team of 40, based in Chattanooga, Tennessee. For the past four years it has been included in the Inc. 5,000 Fastest Growing Companies and is certified as a Great Place to Work.

Commify CEO Richard Hanscott

“I’m delighted to be making this major announcement. The US market is an exciting and significant opportunity for Commify. Text Request is highly complementary to our existing US business, doubles our scale to well over $30 million in revenue and transforms our future position within this market. We can’t wait to get started with the team to continue to grow together in the years to come.”

Richard Hanscott

CEO, Commify

Text Request CEO & co-founder, Brian Elrod

We are proud of Text Request and our team’s accomplishments over the last ten years. We’ve hit milestones that very few bootstrapped tech companies achieve, and we’re especially proud of what a tech exit like this means for our local startup community. More importantly, Text Request is staying in Chattanooga and will become an integral part of a global messaging leader. Commify aligns perfectly with the Text Request culture and is a great acquirer for continuing our vision. We welcome the Commify Team to Chattanooga.”

Brian Elrod

CEO and co-founder, Text Request

ECI Partner, Paul McCreadie

We’re delighted to support Commify’s latest acquisition, which represents a key strategic move in its ongoing expansion into the US. Text Request’s strong growth and outstanding customer service culture make it an ideal fit for Commify. ECI is committed to helping Commify continue its buy and build strategy across Europe and the US, and the acquisition is a testament to the hard work and vision of both teams.”

Paul McCreadie

Partner, ECI

ECI wins two awards at the 2024 Real Deals Private Equity Awards

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