KALAMAZOO ? Government Software maker Manatron said it agreed to be acquired by an affiliate of Thoma Cressey Bravo, a private equity investment firm, in a deal valued at about $66 million. Manatron shareholders will receive $12 a share in cash, representing a premium of 36 percent over Manatron’s Monday close of $8.80.

Upon closing of the deal, expected during the company’s fourth quarter that ends on April 30, Manatron will no longer be publicly traded.

Thoma Cressey Bravo works closely with a limited number of companies with outstanding growth prospects, the company says on its web site. “We believe this makes the best use of the extensive knowledge and experience of our partners in providing capital and strategic assistance to growing companies.”

The company, with offices in Chicago and San Francisco, says it has invested more than $2 billion in equity from a series of eight private funds. Thoma Cressey Bravo focuses on Software, Healthcare, and Recurring Revenue Business Services industries as well as Consumer sectors, Distribution and Education industries.

“Our Board of Directors has unanimously approved the merger agreement

and is recommending that all Manatron shareholders vote in favor of this

transaction,” said Paul R. Sylvester, Manatron’s Co-Chairman and Chief

Executive Officer. “We have been reviewing our strategic alternatives for

the past year and believe that the opportunity presented by TCB was in the

best interests of our clients, our employees and our shareholders.

Holden Spaht, Principal with TCB, said: “It is our

intention to continue to invest in Manatron’s GRM suite of software and

grow the company through strategic acquisitions. We plan to aggressively

pursue Manatron’s mission of building a national company that will be the

clear leader in this market.”

The transaction is subject to customary conditions, including regulatory approvals and approval by Manatron shareholders. The completion of the transaction is not subject to any financing contingency. Upon closing, Manatron, Inc. will no longer be publicly traded, but will be privately held by an affiliate of Thoma

Cressey Bravo.

For more information, click on Manatron.Com

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