Renovus Capital-backed The Ariel Group Acquires Better Communications

8/31/16

The Ariel Group, a learning organization focused on leadership through communication skills has acquired Better Communications, a Waltham, Massachusetts firm that specializes in improving the business writing of financial, technical, and scientific leaders and consultants.

“Better Communications is a best-in-class organization that helps businesses compete by creating written documents that drive action and cut through complexity,” says Sean Kavanagh, CEO of The Ariel Group. “They are a perfect complement to Ariel’s Personal and Leadership Presence offerings that focus on the relationship-building power of the spoken word. If you need to speak, write, or sell with greater impact, we’re now the comprehensive learning provider in this space.”

“We look forward to integrating Better Com’s offerings with Ariel’s training and enhancing our capacity to serve Fortune 1000 clients,” adds Atif Gilani, Ariel Group’s Board member and Founding Partner of Renovus Capital Partners.

Better Communications was founded by Deborah Dumaine, a pioneer in improving business results through writing. She created a revolutionary process for Reader-Centered Writing, setting the standard in writing development for professionals. She is the author of best-selling books, Write to the Top, the Instant-Answer Guide to Business Writing, and the forthcoming Write Like a Leader. Deborah’s workshops and coaching have been adopted by major multinationals and leading business schools worldwide.

“I’ve known The Ariel Group for two decades and have the utmost respect for their outstanding work, integrity, and customer service,” says Dumaine. “I can’t think of a better partner to expand our mission: clear writing for a complex world.”

The Ariel Group is a portfolio company of Wynnewood, Pennsylvania-based Renovus Capital Partners, an education and training focused private equity firm that provided the funding for the investment.

Since its 2012 acquisition by Renovus, The Ariel Group has expanded its range of services to include virtual, online, blended solutions and sales effectiveness training through the procurement of The Baron Group.

About The Ariel Group
Using best practices from actor training and adult learning, The Ariel Group helps business people make impactful interpersonal connections through emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and dynamic communication skills. When individuals at every level communicate effectively and build empathetic relationships with each other, organizations experience higher engagement, increased innovation, improved team dynamics and expanded leadership pipelines. Clients include American Express, Capital One, Coca-Cola, Harvard Business School, Procter & Gamble, Thyssen-Krupp, and a diverse mix of Fortune 1000 corporations and major MBA programs. More information: http://www.arielgroup.com.

About Better Communications
Founded in 1978, Better Communications enables companies globally to use clear writing as a strategic advantage. Their expert team trains and coaches, sales, scientific, and technical teams, and consultants to deepen client relationships through daily writing. Users of the Better Communications proprietary process report results that are visible and statistically measurable. Clear writing—whether in documents or presentations—provides a well-lit path that drives profitability across any enterprise. Founder Deborah Dumaine is the author of several books, including the forthcoming Write Like a Leader. More information: http://www.bettercom.com

About Renovus Capital Partners
Founded in 2010, Renovus Capital Partners is a private equity firm that manages two SBIC funds investing in small and mid-sized businesses within the education and training sectors. To date, the firm has acquired fourteen portfolio companies in verticals such as corporate training, educational content, and educational technology. The firm is particularly interested in profitable and growing enterprises, where the Renovus team can partner with the management to create value through acquisitions, new strategic initiatives, and operational improvements. More information: http://www.renovuscapital.com.

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