Bertram Labs
SAN MATEO, CA, October 9, 2018 – Bertram Capital (“Bertram”), a private equity firm targeting investments in middle-market companies, announced today, in partnership with the Company’s founders, that it has made an investment in Brookfield, Wisconsin-based Best Version Media (“BVM” or the “Company”). Launched in 2007, BVM is a hyper-local media and marketing company that serves individual neighborhoods and communities across the United States and Canada. The investment in BVM represents the sixth platform investment completed by Bertram’s third fund. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
“Bertram Capital is excited to support the innovative business model developed by Best Version Media, as it continues to alter the dynamics of traditional publishing,” said Ryan Craig, Partner at Bertram Capital. “We look for investment opportunities where our in-house IT group, Bertram Labs, can help a company address its technology challenges, get to market faster and amplify its strengths. With BVM, we see a unique opportunity for the Company to extend its already impressive reach as a publisher and to expand the portfolio of innovative solutions it offers to advertisers and consumers.”
Each month, BVM produces hundreds of micro-targeted magazines, each specifically geared toward the interests of individuals within a local community. By addressing specific, highly targeted communities, typically comprised of a few thousand households, the Company’s magazines deliver content which resonates with members of the community in a manner similar to a social network, and at the same time offers a unique channel for advertisers.
“I would like to recognize the team at Best Version Media, led by CEO Dave Durand, for embracing our approach and having the confidence that our combined efforts will result in significant, long-term growth for BVM,” added Jeff Drazan, Managing Partner at Bertram Capital. “We seek investment opportunities that can leverage our differentiated and demonstrated set of operational capabilities, specifically the unique digital marketing and software expertise of Bertram Labs. BVM represents the type of investment that squarely aligns with Bertram’s investment strategy.”
“We are thrilled to partner with Bertram Capital. Not only do they understand our Company’s differentiated approach to media and marketing, they bring a wealth of relevant capabilities, including Bertram Labs,” noted Dave Durand, CEO of BVM. “BVM is one of the fastest growing private companies in Wisconsin and among the fastest growing publishing companies in the United States. Through our partnership with Bertram, we will be well-positioned to accelerate our growth.”
About Best Version Media
Best Version Media (“BVM”) is a “hyper local” media and marketing company serving neighborhoods across the United States and Canada with professional publications that reflect the integrity, pride and prestige of the community. Based in Brookfield, Wisconsin, BVM offers a growing portfolio of solutions oriented toward consumers and advertisers in high impact local markets typically encompassing a few thousand individual households. The Company works in partnership with independent publishers who typically live and work directly within the communities they serve. Founded in 2007, the Company has received numerous awards for its employee-friendly culture, its leadership, and its rapid growth.
Media contact:
Alyssa Kirchen: Best Version Media
(262) 765-0464
About Bertram Capital
Bertram Capital is a private equity firm with over $1.4 billion in committed capital targeting investments in lower middle market companies. In addition to supplying strategic growth capital, Bertram Capital leverages proprietary processes and services, Bertram High-5SM and Bertram Labs, to empower its portfolio companies to unlock their full potential. The Bertram High-5SM is an operationally-focused value creation strategy, which includes supporting management, implementing operational initiatives, acquiring complementary businesses, enhancing sales and marketing efforts, leveraging technology and IP. The cornerstone of this strategy is Bertram Labs, its in-house technology team, which drives growth and value through digital marketing, e-commerce, big data and analytics, application development and internal and external platform optimization. Visit www.bertramcapital.com for more information.
Media Contact:
David Hellier: Bertram Capital
(650) 358-5000