Linx Receives Investment from General Atlantic

Linx, the leading provider of software, services and eCommerce solutions for retail businesses in Brazil, announced today a partnership with the leading global growth equity investment firm, General Atlantic. The investment from GA will furthermore accelerate Linx's growth and geographic expansion. To boot, the GA investment will expand Linx's innovation and development capabilities by providing financial and strategic resources.  

Clear goal for the company

Continued growth is a clear goal for the company: in three years, Linx has made seven acquisitions. In 2008, Linx started its strategy of consolidating the retail software market by acquiring Quadrant.  Following an investment from BNDESPar, the investment arm of BNDES, Linx acquired CSI, a POS software provider for retailers; Inter Commerce, a software company for home improvement and white goods retailers; and Formata, a software company dedicated to small businesses. In December 2010, Linx as well announced the acquisitions of Dia System and CNP Engenharia de Sistemas, both companies with a strong presence in the dealer management system vertical. This year, Linx acquired the software house CustomBS, a regional leader of integrated solutions for retailers in the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul.  BNDESPar participated in the capital raise to maintain its ownership stake in the Company, reinforcing its commitment to the Company.

According to Brett Rochkind, Managing Director and Co-head of GA's global Internet & Innovation sector, "Linx represents an attractive investment given the Company's market leadership, subscription-based business model and high caliber management team. We look forward to partnering with Alberto Menache and the Linx management team to pursue the significant growth opportunities ahead as the Company expands its eCommerce solutions and furthermore executes upon its acquisition strategy," said Mr. Rochkind.

With more than 5,000 customers and in broad outline 52,000 POS installations in Brazil, Latin America and Europe, Linx generated earnings of R$144 million in 2010.

With more than 25 years of history, Linx is the leading provider of software and services to retailers in Brazil.  Linx offers a complete solution to nearly all retail verticals, including apparel, footwear, supermarkets, home centers, drug stores, electronics and appliances, accessories, jewelry, gifts, auto dealers, food service, entertainment and eCommerce. The Company currently has over 1,200 employees in its headquarters and branch offices, should the contingency arise to client relationship units and partners throughout Brazil and abroad. To fully meet the needs of the retail market, the Company operates through the following four business units: Linx Systems, Linx Telecom, Linx Logistics and Linx Loss Prevention. For furthermore information see www.linx.com.br.

Leading global growth equity firm providing capital

General Atlantic is a leading global growth equity firm providing capital and strategic support for growth companies. GA combines a collaborative global approach, sector specific expertise, long-term investment horizon and deep understanding of growth drivers to partner with great management teams and build exceptional businesses worldwide. Established in 1980, GA manages in broad outline $17 billion in capital and has more than 75 investment professionals based in Greenwich, New York, Palo Alto, London, Dusseldorf, Hong Kong, Beijing, Mumbai and Sao Paulo. For furthermore information and a listing of GA's public and private portfolio companies see www.generalatlantic.com.  

For Grupo LinxCommunica BrasilPABX: +55 3868-0300Andrea Funk - andrea@communicabrasil.com.brPatricia Gattone - patricia@communicabrasil.com.brLuiz de Queiroz - luiz@communicabrasil.com.brwww.communicabrasil.com.br