ePrize Acquired by Catterton Partners in Massive Deal

has been acquired by Catterton Partners, a consumer-focused private equity firm.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but insiders indicate that the deal could be worth more than $100 million. Founded by Josh Linkner in Detroit in 1999, ePrize is a digital engagement company that specializes in mobile, social and Web campaigns. The company said that it plans to use its investment to accelerate its overall growth and expansion, most notably within the multi-channel engagement and CRM sectors. Linkner commented on the deal, "This is a significant step in the journey, and the company is poised for continued success. I am completely bullish on the company's continued leadership in the marketing and continued commitment to innovation. The leadership team is fired up to take ePrize to new heights, and with significant muscle from Catterton, I believe ePrize's best days are yet to come. I am confident the company will continue to win in the industry and for Detroit." ePrize differs from other digital engagement companies by offering a unique technology platform that allows brands to engage with consumers through their mobile devices, as well as social media. The company administers

national campaigns than any other company. By the end of 2012, ePrize estimates that 80 percent of its campaigns will incorporate a mobile component. "ePrize is uniquely positioned to lead marketers into the future of mobile engagement, as we currently have over 800 clients, including the majority of the Fortune 500 and 60 percent of the largest ad agencies," Matt Wise, CEO of ePrize, said in a

. "Our multi-channel engagement solutions enable brands to continue the dialogue from social to mobile, all the way to POS on a single unified platform. With Catterton's consumer insights and operational and financial expertise, we can further accelerate our growth and innovation in helping companies engage their consumers through online, mobile and social means." Scott Dahnke, a Managing Partner at Catterton Partners, added that ePrize is "on a trajectory of remarkable growth, and we are delighted to partner with them to help expand the Company's breakthrough digital promotional and loyalty engagement programs." "As the largest online promotions platform, ePrize has been a pioneer in digital engagement," said Dahnke. "The rapid increase in the adoption of mobile technology has changed how brands engage with consumers, and ePrize is at the forefront of that trend. We look forward to working with the talented team at ePrize and leveraging our capabilities and resources to support the Company's continued growth and expansion." Linkner offered this advice, "Shatter conventional wisdom. The world doesn't need another me-too company. What the world craves, and will handsomely [pay] for, is originality. Stay focused on being a category of one. Also, grit and persistence are often underestimated as critical factors in success. Great entrepreneurs master the art of overcoming adversity and forging ahead in the face of ambiguity and challenge."