Kohlberg & Company to Acquire Majority Stake in Engage PEO

Engage was founded in 2011 by Chief Executive Officer Jay Starkman to build a new kind of PEO focused on the client experience and quality of service across all aspects of the organization, with an innovative business model and unique approach to HR delivery that also embraces brokers and agents creating a partnership that translates to added value for their mutual clients.

In an environment where talent is more important than ever, Engage has successfully helped its clients navigate an increasingly complex HR and regulatory landscape. Engage has helped improve the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of HR and safety functions, ensure compliance with the labyrinth of regulations employers face today, and open doors to a strong suite of HR benefits and services, all of which help clients become an employer of choice for top talent within their respective industries and drive cost savings.

“This transaction marks a significant milestone for Engage and our clients and we are excited to partner with the Kohlberg team for our next phase of growth,” said Jay Starkman, Chief Executive Officer of Engage. “The Kohlberg team brings substantial value to Engage’s growth strategy, specifically with their deep network and experience across the insurance brokerage channel, as well as their track record partnering with management teams to accelerate organic and M&A driven growth. Our focus has been and will remain client-centric, ensuring we continue to serve as a trusted partner and co-employer and help streamline HR processes by managing increasingly complex employee-related matters such as payroll, tax compliance, health benefits, workers compensation and safety, and HR compliance. We are grateful for the role that Lightyear has played in our growth and look forward to their continued engagement in our success going forward.”

Over its 36-year history, Kohlberg’s investments have been made in companies with leading positions in growing markets, in partnership with world-class management teams. Financial and outsourced businesses services have long been a focus for Kohlberg, and the firm has executed numerous successful investments in the sector over the past decade.

“Engage provides a truly differentiated PEO service offering that delivers unique value to its clients and channel partners,” said Alex Forrey, Managing Director at Kohlberg & Company. “We believe the value proposition Jay and his team have built solves many of the critical issues businesses face in today’s complex operating environment and we are excited to be partnering together.”

“Kohlberg has studied the PEO industry and business model for over a decade, and the key drivers of growth for PEOs align squarely with the long-term themes within our Financial & Compliance Services Core Practice Area,” said Seth Hollander, Partner at Kohlberg & Company. “We look forward to collaborating with Jay and Lightyear to continue driving Engage’s industry leading organic growth and further strengthen its transformative M&A strategy.”

Mark Vassallo, Managing Partner of Lightyear, added, “Our investment in Engage is a great example of Lightyear’s thematic sourcing and partnership approach. Our successful investment in Engage has expanded our investment thesis into the broader human capital management sector. We are excited to remain a partner in the business and to continue to capitalize on the strong industry tailwinds.”

“Lightyear proactively identified Engage as an asset within the PEO space that was poised for substantial growth, and we were excited to see that our thesis came to life during our ownership,” stated Jay Comerford, Managing Director of Lightyear. “We collaborated with the company on a number of key strategic initiatives including expanding the sales organization, launching a workers’ compensation program, and scaling the business by completing four add-on acquisitions. Overall, these efforts led to approximately four-times growth on the bottom line.”

BofA Securities served as financial advisor to Engage and Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP served as legal counsel to Engage and Lightyear. Piper Sandler & Co. served as financial advisor and Ropes & Gray LLP acted as legal counsel to Kohlberg.

Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

About Engage PEO

Engage PEO, with headquarters in Fort Lauderdale, FL, is a market leading, national PEO licensed in all states with licensing requirements and serves clients in all 50 states. Engage has a unique service delivery model where HR services are delivered by licensed attorneys and deploys a unique go-to-market strategy in which Engage partners with insurance brokers and agencies. For more information, visit www.engagepeo.com.

About Kohlberg & Company

Kohlberg is a leading U.S. middle market private equity firm based in Mount Kisco, New York. Over the firm’s 36-year history, the firm has organized 11 private equity vehicles totaling in aggregate over $14 billion. Since inception, the firm’s private equity investments have generated over $10 billion in realized returns with no realized losses since 2007. The firm invests in leading middle market businesses that are identified through its rigorous thematic research and the firm’s White Paper Program in its six core practice areas. For more information, please visit www.kohlberg.com.

About Lightyear Capital LLC

Lightyear Capital is a New York-based private equity firm that partners with growing companies at the nexus of financial services and technology, healthcare, and business services. For over 20 years, Lightyear has worked closely with management and leveraged its industry expertise, network of advisors, and operating resources to accelerate growth and build market leading businesses. As of December 31, 2022, the firm had assets under management of $4.1 billion. For more information, please visit www.lycap.com.