Oak Brook, IL. January 30, 2024 – Affluence Corporation, a leader in Smart City Software, Internet of Things (IoT) technology today announced its strategic intent to acquire Durham Black, LLC, a strategic advisory firm focused on three fundamental areas: Capital Structure, Growth Execution and Operational Excellence. The acquisition is a significant step forward in Affluence growth strategy, aimed at establishing itself as a global leader in solutions that power both smart industries and next generation Internet.
Following the close of the transaction Affluence will appoint Durham Black management to leadership. Patrick Shutt will be named CEO and Chairman of the Board and Mary Stanhope will become COO.
“This is an exciting time for Affluence, the Durham Black team is already driving value and we have a shared vision to maximize the potential of Affluence and grow from both organic and acquisition initiatives.” said James E Honan, Jr., CEO of Affluence Corporation. “The addition of Patrick Shutt and his team will further drive the growth of Affluence and position us to be able to assimilate future acquisitions.”
Patrick Shutt is a leader in the telecom, technology, and adjacent software sectors and brings a depth of experience and an extensive 25-year track record of success. He has been a Founder, CEO and has provided unique value for every organization he has been with. Patrick has led capital transactions in excess of $800 million, of note, Goldman Sachs underwrote the IPO of Universal Access where Mr. Shutt as CEO raised $240 million in equity and had a market cap over $5.5 billion at its peak. Mr. Shutt has a history of growing technology companies as he grew Universal Access to $144 million in revenue in four years and as CEO of Unitas Global grew that company from $2 million in revenue to $80 million in revenue.
Mary Stanhope has over 25 years of leadership experience for global technology companies. A transformational leader, Mary has held strategy and operating positions at both startup and turnaround companies including Unitas Global, Global Capacity, Sidera Networks, and Priority Call Management, with extensive global M&A work with Atos Origin and SchlumbergerSema technology business lines.
This strategic move positions us to deliver on our plan to significantly grow the company in 2024 and opens new opportunities for innovation and collaboration.
For further information contact Affluence Corporation Investor Relations at +1 720-295-6409.
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. There are important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including: general economic business conditions, competitive and technological factors, markets, services, products and prices, availability and the cost of capital, success of growth initiatives, limited operating history and other factors discussed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commissions. Additionally, this release may not be considered as legal, accounting, or investment advice, and is not, and may not be considered, a solicitation for the purchase of any securities issued by Affluence Corporation.