ACES Announces Acquisition of CLASS

Combined company to expand access to leading applied behavioral analysis services to more individuals and families impacted with autism or other special needs in the U.S.

IRVINE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--ACES 2020, LLC (“ACES” or “the Company”), dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for individuals and families impacted with autism or other special needs, today announced the acquisition of the Center for Language and Autism Support Services (“CLASS”) based in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The acquisition will enable ACES to continue scaling its evidence-based clinical model across the U.S. and expand access to the combined Company’s leading applied behavioral analysis (“ABA”) services to more individuals affected with autism spectrum disorder in Oklahoma. Matthew Williams, Founder and General Manager of CLASS, will remain with the combined Company after the transaction as a regional director to lead clinical, operations and growth initiatives.

ACES provides ABA and ancillary services to individuals and families impacted with autism or other special needs throughout their lifespan. Kristin Farmer, ACES’ Founder and CEO, is a regarded expert in the autism field, and has – until the acquisition of CLASS – grown ACES 100% organically since its founding in 1996. ACES has continued to experience significant momentum in its business over the past year since announcing a strategic investment from General Atlantic, a leading global growth equity firm. The Company has also launched telehealth services and expanded the number of market areas served across its current footprint. ACES’ acquisition of CLASS represents another milestone in the Company’s thoughtful growth into a nationwide provider known for the highest-quality outcomes.

Kristin Farmer, Founder and CEO of ACES, said, “ACES is proud of our longstanding commitment to the autism community, particularly in the area of behavioral artistry. As an Oklahoman, I am so proud to return to my roots and partner with Matt and the entire CLASS team to support their goals of expanding access to quality care to as many individuals and families impacted by autism in Oklahoma as possible. With shared missions and aligned cultures, we feel confident that ACES and CLASS will together continue to elevate the standards in autism treatment.”

Matt Williams, Founder of CLASS, said, “I am thrilled for CLASS to join the ACES team and to take a huge leap forward in serving the needs of our clients, families and teams. ACES was the perfect clinical and cultural partner for CLASS, and I’m looking forward to our collective future as we expand and serve more people.”

ACES’ highly tenured, clinically-led senior management team utilizes a comprehensive suite of therapeutic methodologies to provide ABA therapy in home, school and clinic-based settings, with a long track record of outcomes. Due to its large base of high-quality clinical providers, the Company has also established an expansive referral network and strong payor relationships in six states across the United States. CLASS also utilizes ABA therapy, working with individuals across various settings to improve quality of life. With highly aligned models, ACES plans to fully integrate CLASS into its existing network.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Ziegler served as the sole financial advisor to CLASS.

About Comprehensive Educational Services (ACES)

ACES is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for individuals and families impacted with autism or other special needs. Founded in 1996 by Kristin Farmer, ACES provides comprehensive, professional services to maximize individuals’ potential in the home, school, clinic and community using accepted teaching and therapeutic methodologies. ACES operates 31 clinics and in-home services in additional markets and schools, serving thousands of clients throughout the Western United States, including in Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Texas and Washington, as well as the two CLASS clinics in Oklahoma. Learn more at https://www.acesaba.com/.

About the Center for Language and Autism Support Services (CLASS)

CLASS was founded by Matt Williams in 2016 on the belief that evidenced-based and scientific care should also be compassionate and child centered. CLASS operates two clinics and provides in-home services in Tulsa, Norman, Bartlesville and Oklahoma City. Through school contracts and consultation, CLASS also supports many schools in the state. Learn more at https://www.classoklahoma.com/.