Thoma Bravo, a private equity investment firm focused on the software and technology-enabled services sector, has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire QAD Inc., a provider of next-generation manufacturing and supply chain solutions in the cloud, in an all-cash transaction with an equity value of approximately $2 billion. Under the terms of the agreement, QAD shareholders will receive $87.50 per share of Class A Common Stock or Class B Common Stock in cash.

“Today’s announcement, which is the culmination of a comprehensive process, represents a compelling opportunity to build on QAD’s impressive legacy and strong momentum while maximizing value for shareholders,” said Anton Chilton, QAD CEO. “Thoma Bravo has a deep appreciation for the world-class team, reputation and portfolio we have built at QAD, and with their strong support we are excited to take our business to the next level. As a private company owned by Thoma Bravo, we will have enhanced flexibility, focus and resources to invest in – and capitalize on – our expanding growth opportunities, and help our customers thrive in an increasingly dynamic manufacturing environment.”

“Over the past four decades, we’ve grown QAD from a locally sourced, one-person start-up to a leading, trusted global provider of ERP solutions. Today we are beginning our next chapter of growth,” said QAD founder and president Pamela Lopker. “Since QAD’s founding in 1979, our customers, our technology and the manufacturing industry have evolved significantly – and, at every step, QAD has adapted swiftly to maintain and build our leadership position. Global manufacturers are facing ever-increasing challenges, and we are pleased that our customers around the world can continue to rely on QAD’s next generation solutions to keep pace with emerging business disruptors. Through this partnership, we will be even better positioned to build on our strong foundation and enhance our value proposition.”

“For more than a decade, we have admired QAD’s unparalleled history of delivering innovative solutions focused on the needs of global manufacturers,” said Scott Crabill, a managing partner at Thoma Bravo. “As the pace of change continues to accelerate and supply chains become more complex, we are committed to supporting QAD in delivering its vision and ensuring the company is well equipped to further expand its reach and portfolio. We look forward to partnering with Anton and his team to cement the company’s positioning as the intelligent, agile, and innovative partner of choice for Adaptive Manufacturing Enterprises.”

Peter Stefanski, a principal at Thoma Bravo, added, “Thoma Bravo has a strong track record of helping enterprise software businesses evolve their platforms to meet the needs of clients and we are excited about QAD’s future given its exceptional foundation and history. We will plan to leverage our deep expertise in software to support the company’s talented team to further the journey to SaaS and to drive sustainable long-term growth both organically and through M&A.”

Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC is serving as financial advisor to QAD’s Special Committee, and Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP is serving as the Special Committee’s legal counsel. Moelis & Co. LLC is serving as financial advisor and Paul Hastings LLP is serving as legal counsel to Lopker. Barclays is serving as financial advisor and Kirkland & Ellis LLP is serving as legal counsel to Thoma Bravo.