Thryv Holdings, the provider of Thryv software, the end-to-end client experience platform for growing small businesses, has acquired Sensis, an Australian leading digital, marketing and directory services provider from Platinum Equity and Telstra Corporation Limited

“This is a transformational acquisition for Thryv, and one that will help Australian small businesses better compete in a digital economy,” said Joe Walsh, Thryv CEO and president. “COVID-19 has radically reshaped the perspective of small businesses around the globe. Solutions that ensure small businesses have the tools they need to generate confidence and convenience for their customers have gone from a ‘nice to have’ to a ‘must have’ in this post-pandemic world. The acquisition of Sensis follows our strategy of expanding internationally where small businesses are ready to modernize their operations in order to serve their customers faster and more efficiently – from anywhere, including mobile devices. While I’m sure there will be some differences in the Australian market, small business owners in both countries are no-doubt facing similar challenges—both are struggling to compete with national chains and increasingly-large and monopolistic tech titans who seek to dominate online.”

Sensis CEO John Allan, who will lead Thryv’s Australian operations and report to Walsh, said the acquisition made sense from a customer—and organizational—alignment perspective.

“Our organizations share a similar heritage through our profitable Yellow and White Pages brands, which we will continue to develop,” added Allan. “Both organizations aim to be the primary partner of small businesses by helping them establish, grow and run their day-to-day business activities from their mobile phone. In recent years, we’ve seen many Australian businesses forced to invest more in IT platforms than actual employees. Thryv ends that fractured, costly, and complex approach. By introducing the Thryv software to the Australian market, we’re confident we can make an impact on Australian small businesses, the five million people they employ, and the consumers who rely on their small business success.”