Equity Firm Buys Shopper Marketing Agency Pareto

Global private equity firm The Riverside Company has acquired Toronto-based shopper marketing agency Pareto in a share purchase deal valued at $CAN 125m.

Pareto uses proprietary technology and offers direct marketing, experiential marketing, retail merchandising and in-store messaging, as well as consumer insights services.

Riverside says it sees many growth opportunities at Pareto, including continued expansion of the firm's customer base in Canada, cross-selling, adding services, and international expansion.

'Pareto has amazing potential for expansion and a proven track record,' states Riverside Partner Kristin Newhall. 'The value of Pareto's services is clear and compelling. We're deeply impressed with Pareto President & CEO Kerry Shapansky (pictured) and his entire management team, and very excited about Pareto's future.'

Web site: www.pareto.ca .