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Candescent Partners Acquires SoftBase Systems

Boston, MA — October 12, 2011Candescent Partners, a Boston-based private equity firm, today announced it has acquired SoftBase Systems Inc., a leading provider of DB2 z/OS coding, testing and deployment tools that accelerate application development. Candescent led the transaction with co-investors Harbert Mezzanine Capital, Bush O'Donnell Capital Partners, and Brooke Private Equity Associates. SoftBase is Candescent's fourth platform acquisition and second in the software sector.

SoftBase Systems is recognized as a leading provider of application testing and tuning solutions for IBM's DB2® database utilizing the OS/390® and z/OS® operating systems. SoftBase's solutions enable its customers to build and maintain high-quality DB2 applications that run as reliably and cost-effectively as possible. As part of the acquisition, Candescent also acquires NetLert, a separate software company operated under Softbase that specializes in performance analysis and reporting solutions for Avaya-based contact centers. SoftBase and NetLert have been merged into one company, Candescent Softbase LLC, and each will operate as separate divisions.

"This transaction represents a significant opportunity for both Candescent and Softbase," said Stephen Jenks, Managing Partner of Candescent Partners. "We have the opportunity to provide the resources needed to offer a broader range of products and services resources to further propel market growth for Softbase. We look forward to supporting its continued product innovation and customer-centric vision as it moves to the next stage of growth."

"For the past 25 years, SoftBase has built a solid foundation for its products and services and is now recognized globally for its long term service and commitment to its DB2 customers," said Stephen Woodard, a software industry veteran who becomes CEO of Candescent Softbase LLC. "That tradition will continue as we look to expand new opportunities, products and resources to serve the growing customer base and expand our market share. This acquisition by Candescent opens up significant new benefits for Softbase customers, partners and employees."

"We've built Softbase into a leading player in the DB2 market through the efforts of our dedicated employees who have always strived to put our customers first," said Gary Blair, former CEO and founder of SoftBase Systems. "Together with Candescent, we now have an opportunity to further strengthen our leadership position in the DB2 market by creating new, innovative solutions and capabilities to solve our customers' most complex challenges." Blair will remain with Candescent Softbase LLC and assume the new role of Chief of Customer Advocacy, reporting directly to Woodard.

View the customer notification letter here.


About Candescent Partners, LLC

Candescent Partners is a Boston-based private equity firm that invests in the acquisition, growth and recapitalization of lower middle market companies in healthcare services, business services, software and consumer products and services. Steve Jenks and Sandy McGrath founded Candescent in 2009 and Steve Sahlman later joined as a Principal. Candescent invests in businesses with annual EBITDA between $2 and $8 million and enterprise values between $10 and $75 million

www.candescentpartners.com