Leading federal market research firm acquired in private equity deal

Deltek Inc., a leading provider of market research and software to federal contractors, announced Monday that it had been acquired by private equity firm Thoma Bravo in a deal valued at $1.1 billion.

Deltek, which is now publicly traded, will go private. The company’s largest current shareholder, New Mountain Capital, has approved the acquisition.

Deltek had revenues of $341 million in 2011, and has more than 1,600 employees. According to information provided by the firm, it serves 98 percent of the top 100 federal contractors.

The company grew into a behemoth in the federal market research field in recent years by acquiring several different companies in the space, including Input in September 2010 and FedSources in April 2011.

“While our ownership structure has changed over the years, our unwavering commitment to your success has not,” Deltek president Kevin Parker said in a message to the company’s customers. “With Deltek, you can expect to work with the same passionate, collaborative company that you have come to know over the past 30 years.”

“Deltek’s powerful brand presence in the government contractor, professional services, and project-oriented markets makes it well poised for continued global industry leadership,” said Holden Spaht, a Thoma Bravo partner. “Thoma Bravo is excited to work with Deltek’s leadership team to accelerate growth of the company through the firm’s proven buy and build strategy.”

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