NYC firm buys VitalSmarts

Leeds Equity Partners LLC, a New York-based private equity firm has acquired VitalSmarts LC from investment firm TwentyEighty Inc. Founded in 1989 in Provo, VitalSmarts is a provider of communication, execution and leadership development training. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.{mprestriction ids="1,3"}

“Leeds Equity has a proven track record of success in the training sector,” said Andrew Shimberg, CEO of VitalSmarts. “We are confident that Leeds Equity is the right partner for us and shares our vision of providing best-in-class experiences and outcomes for corporate clients and learners. With Leeds Equity’s help, we aim to train more than 1 million people annually with crucial workplace advancement skills.”

“Companies increasingly appreciate the importance of creating and fostering cultures that drive performance. Communication, execution and leadership skills need to be taught and practiced,” said Scott VanHoy, a partner at Leeds Equity. “VitalSmarts is the gold standard in training employees with these critical, 21st century foundational skills such as resolving disagreements, building acceptance and overcoming resistance, speaking persuasively and fostering teamwork.”

Eric Geveda, managing director of Leeds Equity, said, “We are excited to have completed our investment in VitalSmarts and look forward to working closely with Andy and the VitalSmarts team as they continue to build on their successes across the corporate training market. The commitment they have shown to excellence in all of their training is reflected in the outstanding learning outcomes they help produce.”{/mprestriction}