Acquisition to position standalone bswift to drive long-term growth
SAN FRANCISCO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Francisco Partners (“FP”), a leading global investment firm that specializes in partnering with technology businesses, today announced it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire bswift, a leading provider of benefits technology and services, from CVS Health.
Founded in 1996, bswift is a provider of software and services that streamline benefits and human resources administration, offering a cloud-based technology platform with best-in-class service. The company combines its deep expertise and passion for technology innovation with strong customer service and a unique consumer-driven approach. bswift helps its partners and employers simplify administration, manage employee benefits, reduce administrative costs, and connect employees with resources needed to achieve their health ambitions. The company serves millions of employees with a single benefit destination across all life events from hire to retire.
bswift will continue to partner with CVS Health and Aetna, a CVS Health company, to provide benefits technology to its employees and client base.
“CVS Health and Aetna remain committed to bswift and to the clients, partners and members we support in benefits administration,” said Mark Santos, Vice President, Diversified Commercial Solutions at Aetna. “FP’s deep expertise in technology and proven track record in nurturing and growing technology businesses will enable bswift’s loyal base of employees to continue delivering innovative solutions.”
Since its launch over 20 years ago, Francisco Partners has invested in over 400 technology companies, making it one of the most active and long-standing investors in the technology industry. Francisco Partners has experience in the healthcare and human capital technology market and its investments have focused on companies that provide the best possible products and service for its customers and partners. Francisco Partners also has extensive experience partnering with corporations to execute divisional carve-outs with transactions such as IBM’s Watson Health business (now Merative) and Discovery Inc.’s Discovery Education business.
Justin Chen, Partner at Francisco Partners, said, “We are excited to partner with bswift and help the team continue to grow its robust technology and service offerings across benefits and healthcare. bswift is uniquely positioned as a market leader to help employers navigate the evolving industry trends and opportunities to holistically engage employees through health, wellness and financial benefits.”
“We appreciate CVS Health’s work in growing this business and are confident that our partnership will help bswift drive crucial focus in executing on organic and inorganic growth strategies,” said Anders Mikkelsen, Vice President at Francisco Partners. “We look forward to supporting the talented employees and management team.”
Financial terms of the transaction have not been disclosed. The acquisition is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2022, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions.
Kirkland & Ellis LLP served as legal advisor and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC served as financial advisor to Francisco Partners. CVS Health engaged Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP and Dechert LLP as legal counsel and Goldman Sachs as exclusive financial advisor.
About Francisco Partners
Francisco Partners is a leading global investment firm that specializes in partnering with technology and technology-enabled businesses. Since its launch over 20 years ago, Francisco Partners has invested in over 400 technology companies, making it one of the most active and longstanding investors in the technology industry. With approximately $45 billion in capital raised to date, the firm invests in opportunities where its deep sectoral knowledge and operational expertise can help companies realize their full potential. For more information on Francisco Partners, please visit www.franciscopartners.com.
About bswift
bswift helps customers change the way their employees perceive and engage with their benefits through a proven blend of adaptive technology, service excellence, and compassionate service. Their intuitive, personalized enrollment experience inspires confidence and connects employees to the resources they need to achieve their personal ambitions. Partnering with enterprises nationwide and serving millions of employees, bswift offers cloud-based technology and services for online enrollment, interactive decision support, ACA compliance reporting and employee engagement. For more information on bswift, please visit www.bswift.com.
Contacts
Media:
Whit Clay / Sarah Braunstein
wclay@sloanepr.com / sbraunstein@sloanepr.com
