AppRiver, LLC, a leading provider of cloud-based cybersecurity and productivity software and services, today announced that it has secured a majority investment from Marlin Equity Partners, a global private equity firm with over $6.7 billion of capital under management. AppRiver’s founders, Michael Murdoch and Joel Smith, will retain a minority stake in the company and the current management team will continue to run operations from its headquarters in Gulf Breeze, Florida.
“This is an incredible milestone for our company,” said Michael Murdoch, co-founder and CEO of AppRiver. “The investment from Marlin will help expand AppRiver’s operations to more effectively compete on a global scale. Marlin’s strong history of growing technology businesses and extensive cybersecurity software experience make them an ideal partner to help us accelerate our growth initiatives while maintaining high levels of satisfaction and support for our current customers.”
Joel Smith, co-founder and CTO of AppRiver, added, “With Marlin, we have found a partner that shares a unique appreciation of our culture, commitment to customers and corporate philosophy.”
Founded in 2002 primarily as a spam and virus filtering company, AppRiver has since expanded its offering to a full suite of cybersecurity and productivity solutions including web malware protection, email encryption, secure archiving and email continuity services. The company is also among the world’s largest providers of Microsoft Office 365 and Secure Hosted Exchange, which are both backed by AppRiver’s award-winning, white-glove customer support. Today, more than 53,000 companies worldwide use AppRiver to maintain secure and reliable messaging systems and protect themselves against a growing number of cybersecurity threats. Among Appriver’s numerous growth milestones is its inclusion in Inc. 5000’s list of the fastest growing private companies in America for 11 consecutive years.
“We are thrilled to partner with AppRiver and build upon its deep and long-standing customer relationships that have been established through a superior product offering and commitment to world-class support,” said Peter Chung, a principal at Marlin. “AppRiver is ideally positioned to lead and innovate in today’s security-conscious environment as businesses of all sizes continue to transition to a cloud-based deployment model. We look forward to helping AppRiver accelerate its growth by pursuing both organic and inorganic expansion opportunities, while continuing to deliver exceptional service to existing customers and partners.”
About AppRiver
AppRiver offers cloud-based cybersecurity and productivity services to over 53,000 companies worldwide. Launched in 2002, primarily as a spam and virus filtering company, AppRiver has since added web malware protection, email encryption, secure archiving, and email continuity to its suite of security services to establish itself among the world’s top providers of Office 365 and Secure Hosted Exchange mailboxes. All services are offered on a pay-as-you-use basis backed by its free, fully supported and award-winning 24/7 white-glove Phenomenal Care™ customer service. AppRiver is headquartered in Gulf Breeze, Florida and maintains offices in Georgia, Texas, New York, Switzerland and Spain. For more information, please visit www.appriver.com.
About Marlin Equity Partners
Marlin Equity Partners is a global investment firm with over $6.7 billion of capital under management. The firm is focused on providing corporate parents, shareholders and other stakeholders with tailored solutions that meet their business and liquidity needs. Marlin invests in businesses across multiple industries where its capital base, industry relationships and extensive network of operational resources significantly strengthens a company’s outlook and enhances value. Since its inception, Marlin, through its group of funds and related companies, has successfully completed over 100 acquisitions. The firm is headquartered in Los Angeles, California with an additional office in London. For more information, please visit www.marlinequity.com.
