Internap INAP: INAP to Acquire SingleHop

Jan 29, 2018 | Posted by Eric Bell

  • Timing of this announcement coincides with top line turnaround progress for INAP standalone: 4Q 2017 revenue outlook up to $70M
  • Strategic combination increases product differentiation through advanced automation 
  • Expansion facilitates business and enterprise sales across INAP’s major markets 
  • Attractive valuation multiple both before and after expected synergies
  • Integration of SingleHop’s technology services accelerates operational performance
ATLANTA, Jan. 29, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Internap Corporation (NASDAQ:INAP), a provider of high-performance internet infrastructure including colocation, managed services and hosting, cloud and high-performance network services, today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire SingleHop, LLC, a private company headquartered in Chicago, Illinois for $132 million in cash.

SingleHop is a recognized leader in the managed hosting and infrastructure as a service (IaaS) business segment, offering highly automated and on-demand IT infrastructure.  This strategic combination allows INAP to immediately offer its customers advanced products and expertise.  SingleHop’s enterprise and business customers will also benefit from INAP’s North American and global presence, providing a significantly more expansive integrated footprint.

“The INAP turnaround strategy includes restoring top-line organic revenue growth while leveraging smart tuck-in acquisitions to accelerate that growth,” stated Peter D. Aquino, President & CEO of INAP. “Today we announce significant progress on both fronts: We are reporting a positive outlook for 4Q 2017 revenue, which is up sequentially, and we are ahead of turnaround expectations.  We are also pleased to announce the signing of an agreement to acquire SingleHop and welcome their customers and employees to the INAP family.  We are very excited about partnering with Zak Boca and his experienced team to integrate their advanced platform into INAP.  The combined impact of our sales and operational improvements, and the momentum of SingleHop’s success, is expected to be a catalyst for growth in 2018.”

Strategic Rational:  INAP expects to gain significant speed to market by advancing its technical roadmap with this acquisition.  The attributes of the combination include:

  • Robust Technology –
    SingleHop’s advanced automated systems will immediately enhance INAP’s overall capabilities, improving existing customers’ experience.  This acquisition will enable INAP to launch an integrated delivery system that will be cross-sold through INAP’s global footprint.  Given this complementary product set, SingleHop’s technical expertise and momentum are expected to attract interest specifically among INAP Bare Metal and AgileCloud customer bases.  This combination also advances INAP’s product road map for private cloud, managed public cloud, DRaaS, and other critical features designed to drive profitable growth.
  • Single Pane of Glass and Actionable Intelligence (“AI”) –
    SingleHop’s single pane of glass for infrastructure and managed services will consolidate and merge separate customer interface portals into one single pane of glass, post integration (i.e., colocation, managed services, cloud, and network elements).  The improved visibility, and control through AI are expected to exceed customer expectations and requirements, adding long-term customer retention benefits, as well as to help INAP operationally.
  • Increased Scalability –
    SingleHop’s operations complement INAP’s presence in major markets including: Chicago, New York City, Phoenix, and Amsterdam.  SingleHop hosts approximately 3,000 customers in state of the art Tier 3-type data centers that ensure the optimum redundancy, security, and critical infrastructure required.  Proforma combined INAP will serve over 10,000 customers worldwide.
  • Experienced and Talented Management Team –
    SingleHop has demonstrated a unique entrepreneurial culture that produced award winning solutions and industry recognition as evidenced in its position on the Gartner® Magic Quadrant for Cloud Enabled Managed Hosting.
“These two companies are extremely complementary, and together will offer customers an incredibly robust, modern IT platform, which was backed by investment firm Battery Ventures,” said Zak Boca, co-founder and CEO of SingleHop. “SingleHop’s innovative approach to IaaS and the delivery of managed services combined with INAP’s global data center and network presence, will give clients a one-stop-shop for their IT needs. This is a strong combination that I’m very excited to be a part of.  I look forward to transitioning to become the Chief Marketing Officer of INAP.” 

“Jennifer Curry, VP of Managed Hosting and Services at INAP, and team, have been focused on improving ways to deliver complex IT solutions to our customers,” stated Corey Needles, SVP and General Manager, INAP USA.  “By acquiring SingleHop, we not only leapfrog product development gates, but Jen acquires an all-star team to attack opportunities that historically may have been challenging for either company to score on its own due to lack of product or size.  Together, we are much stronger and excited about our growth potential in managed hosting and services as a value-added service to our data center business.”

Financial Summary:  INAP will be acquiring SingleHop in an all cash deal for $132 million reflecting a purchase multiple of approximately 7x after synergies, based on annualized Adjusted EBITDA of approximately $16 million for 3Q 2017 and expected annualized cost synergies of $2 to $3 million.  INAP expects SingleHop will contribute $45 to $50 million in annualized revenue post-closing.  In INAP’s fourth quarter 2017 earnings release, INAP will provide combined proforma guidance, assuming a first quarter closing of the transaction.  Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure, which we define in the attachment to this press release entitled “Non-GAAP (Adjusted) Financial Measure.”  A reconciliation of this non-GAAP financial measure to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure can also be found in the attachment.

INAP has entered into a commitment agreement with Jefferies Finance LLC to provide a fully underwritten debt financing which, combined with INAP’s cash on hand, will fund the entire transaction.  Ultimately, INAP will look to optimize its capital structure with a blend of equity and debt securities to affect a leverage-neutral or better outcome.  The transaction is expected to close before the end of the first quarter 2018, subject to customary closing conditions, including the expiration or termination of any applicable waiting periods under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended.

Transaction Advisors:  RBC Capital Markets acted as lead financial advisor and Jefferies LLC acted as financial advisor to INAP.  Jenner & Block LLP served as INAP’s legal advisor.  On the sell-side, DH Capital acted as the sole financial advisor to SingleHop.  Goodwin Procter LLP and Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP acted as joint legal advisors to SingleHop.

About Internap Corporation 

Internap Corporation (NASDAQ:INAP) is a leading provider of high-performance data center services including colocation, managed hosting, cloud and network services. INAP partners with its clients, who range from the Fortune 500 to emerging start-ups, to create secure, scalable and reliable IT infrastructure solutions that meet the client’s unique business requirements. INAP operates in 51 Tier 3-type data centers in 21 metropolitan markets and has 90 POPs around the world. INAP has approximately 1 million gross square feet under lease, with 500,000 square feet of data center space. 

About SingleHop 

SingleHop, a leading global provider of hosted IT infrastructure and cloud computing, brings together a unique combination of enterprise-class technologies from industry-leading vendors, and a proprietary automation engine, to deliver a customized cloud infrastructure experience for enterprises of all sizes. Their powerful portal and award-winning automation platform make it simple to design and support the optimal cloud environment.  Their service includes full-life cycle, white glove support, instantly-scalable solutions, and comprehensive integrated security.  SingleHop serves approximately 3,000 customers in more than 124 countries with data centers across the United States and Europe. 

0 Comments