Blackboard Acquires Sequoia Retail Systems

WASHINGTON, May 31, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Blackboard Inc., the world's leading education technology company, today announced the acquisition of Sequoia Retail Systems (Sequoia), a leader in comprehensive point-of-sale (POS) solutions exclusively focused on educational institutions and the students they serve. The acquisition strengthens the Blackboard Transact suite of campus solutions for institutions, while simultaneously enhancing the student experience both on and off campus.

Sequoia provides hundreds of colleges and universities with POS, retail bookstore and inventory management solutions that enable students to make purchases quickly and easily while reducing administrative complexity. The company's integrated, multichannel delivery gives students the power to use their campus ID credentials (card/mobile) to purchase when and where it is most convenient—online, on a mobile device or at a register.

Blackboard Transact is the leader in providing campus transaction, security and financial solutions through a fully integrated technology platform that creates a holistic experience for students to navigate and engage in life on and off campus. This acquisition builds on Blackboard and Sequoia's decade-long partnership in serving the campus community.

"We've continued to be impressed over the years with Sequoia's innovation and single dedication to the education community," said David Marr, SVP of Blackboard Transact. "Given the parallel paths of our long-term partnership, commitment to the campus community and the students we serve, it just made sense to put our support behind them to further accelerate innovation and service levels."

Blackboard Transact is committed to providing educational institutions with a choice of multiple integrated technologies, creating a vibrant ecosystem to support their varied and growing needs. The acquisition will not impact the company's commitment to its valued POS partners, including Micros, NCR and Vivonet. 

Sequoia remains dedicated to the independent college bookstore, and Blackboard's resources empower it to continue exceeding institutions' expectations in a rapidly evolving educational technology landscape.

"Blackboard and Sequoia were born and raised in the higher education space," said Jim Zaorski, CEO of Sequoia Retail Systems. "Combining Blackboard's resources, unparalleled products, and customer commitment with our success and experience in point of sale and educational content distribution is an exciting and perfect combination in our service to the education community."

To learn more about Blackboard's acquisition of Sequoia Retail Systems, please visit www.Blackboard.com/Sequoia/.

About Blackboard Inc.

Blackboard is the world's leading education technology company. We challenge conventional thinking and advance new models of learning to reimagine education and make it more accessible, engaging and relevant to modern-day learners and the institutions that serve them. In partnership with our customers and partners in higher education and K–12 as well as corporations and government agencies around the world, our mission is to help all learners achieve their full potential by inspiring a passion for lifelong learning. For more information about Blackboard, follow us on Twitter @Blackboard.

CONTACT:
D'Anthony White, Blackboard Inc.
202.303.9314 or
[email protected]     

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SOURCE Blackboard Inc.

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