Blackbaud Acquires Private School Software Provider WhippleHill for $35M

Fundraising software company Blackbaud has acquired WhippleHill Communications, a New Hampshire-based software company that offers a cloud-based LMS and other software catering to K12 private schools, in a deal said to be worth $35 million.

In addition to an LMS, WhippleHill also offers an SIS as well as software around content management and enrollment. The organization will still focus on private schools, and will merge with Blackbaud’s existing K12 education solutions group, which already includes donor outreach, financial, and student information programs.

WhippleHill works with some 400 schools across the country; the two companies already shared some customers.

"We’re pleased to bring WhippleHill’s expertise into the company," said Blackbaud President and CEO, Mike Gianoni in a statement. "By combining WhippleHill’s innovative, cloud-based front-office solutions for parents, teachers and students with Blackbaud’s preeminent back-office solutions and award-winning support, K12 private schools will have access—like never before—to a comprehensive suite of best-in-class offerings that are 'integrated by design' to help them manage the entire education lifecycle."

About the Author

Stephen Noonoo is an education technology journalist based in Los Angeles. He is on Twitter @stephenoonoo.

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