HKW Announces Acquisition of CIS

INDIANAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--HKW, a middle-market private equity firm, today announced the acquisition of CIS Secure Computing, Inc. (“CIS” or the “Company”) from Acorn Growth Companies. CIS is a provider of secure and customized communications technologies that help prevent data leaks/tracking, eavesdropping, and hacking. The financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Headquartered in Ashburn, VA, CIS has a portfolio of retrofitted VoIP phones, laptops, USB disconnects, and conference equipment, including software that secures OEM mobile devices. The Company provides both hardware and software solutions to the intelligence and law enforcement communities within its various government and commercial security-conscious customer base. CIS also aligns with HKW’s Business Services sector focus, notably within the Tech-Enabled Business Services subsector.

“We believe CIS has an established market share in an industry with compelling tailwinds,” said Luke Phenicie, Lead Transaction Partner at HKW. “We are excited about partnering with the CIS management team to help them elevate to the next level, including new product line additions and seeking new add-on acquisitions.”

“Threats to data and information security are increasing and evolving, especially for government agencies,” added Chris Eline, Principal on the Transaction team at HKW. “We feel CIS is in a good position to help government agencies update and expand their secure endpoint communications technologies.”

Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP (“Taft”) served as legal counsel to HKW.

About HKW

HKW is a private equity firm investing in growth-oriented companies with talented management teams in the U.S. and Canada. HKW targets companies in the Business Services, Health & Wellness, and Technology sectors. Since 1982, HKW has sponsored 64 platform transactions of lower middle-market companies throughout North America, as well as 70 add-on acquisitions. For more information on HKW, please visit hkwinc.com.