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October 1, 2001
Fenton, MO -- Maritz Inc. (www.maritz.com)
today announced that it has acquired Librix Learning LLC (www.librix.com).
Maritz, ranked 157th on the most recent Forbes list of "500 Biggest
Private Companies," will combine the resources of its Maritz
Learning Systems Group (www.maritzlearning.com),
which specializes in instructor-led, video and CD-ROM training, with
Librix's learning management technology and e-learning development
expertise. The new combined organization will be called Librix, a
Maritz Company, which Maritz plans to launch as a new business unit
later this year.
Maritz made a strategic investment in Librix 18 months ago and has
worked closely with them on several strategic client opportunities.
"For more than a century we have been committed to helping businesses
worldwide improve performance," said Steve Maritz, CEO. "The
acquisition of Librix is a logical expansion of our custom training
solutions business because it helps us strengthen relationships with
our current customers and better meet their expanding needs. This
acquisition also positions us to grow with the vast opportunities
presented by the e-learning marketplace."
Librix widens the offerings of Maritz Learning Systems through a
combination of leading edge technology and a broad range of professional
services. The LIBRIX Performance Management System, which provides
clients the ability to track and manage all enterprise learning events,
was recently rated a top system for competency management and a leading
learning management system (LMS) overall in customer satisfaction
in a recent study conducted by Brandon-Hall.com. Librix's professional
services include custom
e-learning development as well as learning systems deployment and
integration.
Brian Carlin, CEO of Librix, will head the combined organization.
Carlin notes: "Maritz has been a leader in the performance improvement
industry for decades, driving business results through an integrated
process of targeted learning, focused communications, timely measurement
and feedback as well as innovative incentives. The new combined company
will be ideally positioned to serve clients seeking both the ability
to blend e-learning with traditional training techniques and the capacity
to drive performance improvement results throughout the enterprise."
The acquisition expands and enhances the capabilities of Maritz Learning
Systems to handle logistical and reporting functions of training,
match learning to business competencies, create individualized learning
networks, direct and validate certification criteria, and establish
ROI based on business performance against learning accomplishments.
Also, the acquisition integrates two sets of alliance partners that
address content and specialty skills requirements, including validated
assessment instruments, experimental learning options, and soft skills
and technical skills across all delivery platforms.
The new, combined organization will offer learning solutions that
blend custom and off-the-shelf content, leading edge technologies
such as broadcast-quality video conferencing, web based training,
and web-based collaboration tools with traditional delivery techniques
to provide both synchronous and asynchronous learning on-site or to
remote locations around the globe. Among the business needs addressed
by these solutions include: employee retention and development; sales
force training; compliance and certification; channel development;
product knowledge training; and market research.
In addition to its long history in the learning and performance improvement
industries, Maritz has received several recent accolades for its technological
prowess. Maritz ranked 178th in this year's "InformationWeek
500 Leading IT Innovators," an annual list of companies that
demonstrate a pattern of technological, procedural and organizational
innovation. Two years ago Maritz was named 13th in PC Week's Fast-Track
list, top 500 innovators in e-business.
About Maritz
Maritz Inc., which ranked 157th on the most recent Forbes list of
"500 Biggest Private Companies," is based in the St. Louis
suburb of Fenton, MO. Maritz offers marketing research, travel, and
performance improvement services, which are delivered through 20 operating
companies located in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom,
France, Spain, Germany, and Italy. Further information can be found
at www.maritz.com.
Maritz® and the Maritz logo are registered service marks of Maritz
Inc.
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