PointSource, a Raleigh-based digital solutions firm, is sold to Globant, a provider of digital services with a global footprint, in a deal worth as much as $28 million. But there’s a twist.
Globant, which is publicly traded with a market cap of $1.4 billion, says payments made to PointSource key employees includes a negotiated right to turn 20 percent of cash payments made to them in the deal into Globant stock.
Plus, while Globant paid $15.5 million in cash to PointSource shareholders, another $12.5 million will come through earnouts that require PointSource to hit milestones set for each of the next three years. PointSource, which had been seeking a buyer, reported some $16 million in revenue for 2016.
Here’s the SEC filing made by Globant to explain the deal:
“As consideration for the membership interests of PointSource, the Company agreed to pay: (i) $15.5 million in cash within 5 business days of the Closing; and (ii) earn-out payments of up to $12.5 million in the aggregate, contingent upon PointSource’s achievement of specified milestones mainly based on revenue and profit targets for each of the years ending on December 31, 2017, December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2019.
“Additionally, pursuant to the terms of the transaction, the sellers of PointSource’s membership interests and certain key employees benefited from the transaction agreed to, upon request of the Company, use up to 20% of each of the payments to subscribe for shares of the Company, at a subscription price per share of the volume weighted average trading price of the Company’s stock during the 60-day period ending on the second trading day prior to the relevant payment, as quoted by the New York Stock Exchange.”
Globant (NYSE: GLOB) shares closed at $40.98 on Thursday.
All PointSource employees will join Globant, a spokesperson for PointSource noted. The company has a second office in Chicago.
Globant bought a company that is growing quickly, having cracked the Inc. 5000 list each of the last three years.
PointSource has a client base that has included Johnson & Johnson, Allstate, Finish Line, Soccer.com and Kohl’s. It also has earned two IBM awards for mobile solutions.
“PointSource blends the creative energy of an agency with the technology savvy of a development firm to build digital solutions that solve complex problems and change businesses,” said Martín Migoya, Globant’s CEO and co-founder, in announcing the deal. “The company’s unique focus on digital transformation and agile solutions will strengthen Globant’s goal of creating innovative software products that appeal to millions of users, allowing our clients to transform their businesses.”
PointSource launched in 2004.
“PointSource is committed to bring business, marketing and technology together to create transformative digital solutions,” added its CEO Chris Hugill. “We are honored to join Globant, a company that shares the same commitment to digital transformation. Joining forces with Globant will help us expand our services for our clients. Most importantly, Globant shares our same values in growing a great company and building great teams.”
