26North Partners LP founded by Josh Harris, has announced an agreement to acquire a controlling stake in AVI-SPL, a global leader in audio-video and unified communications technologies, from Marlin Equity Partners and other selling shareholders. Marlin and select shareholders will retain a minority interest in the company. Financial terms were not disclosed.
AVI-SPL is a trusted partner to the world’s most recognized brands, serving over 86% of the Fortune 100. The company delivers mission-critical audio-visual and collaboration solutions that power the modern workplace, spanning installation, integration and managed services across North America, South America, Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA), and the Asia-Pacific region.
“AVI-SPL exemplifies the kind of business we seek out at 26North—resilient, essential and built for long-term growth,” said Mark Weinberg, Head of Private Equity at 26North. “It operates in an expanding market, holds a leadership position and serves a diversified, blue-chip customer base.”
The investment reflects 26North’s strategy of backing high-quality, middle-market companies with strong fundamentals and proven leadership. AVI-SPL’s management team, led by CEO John Zettel, has consistently driven innovation and operational excellence, positioning the company as a category leader as remote collaboration becomes a permanent fixture of the modern enterprise.
“We’re thrilled to partner with 26North,” said Zettel. “Their long-term vision and operational expertise make them an ideal partner as we continue to scale globally and deliver transformative solutions to our customers.”
With more than 4,400 employees across over 70 offices worldwide, AVI-SPL has completed over 120,000 projects in more than 100 countries. The company is recognized for its ability to deliver scalable solutions that are easy to use and have a measurable impact—qualities that align with 26North’s investment philosophy.
26North will support AVI-SPL through its Alpha Creation Team (ACT), a catalyst for sustainable value that drives operational excellence and taps into a powerful network of relationships across industries — including sports and entertainment — to spark transformative partnerships and accelerate growth.
“AVI-SPL is at the forefront of redefining how organizations connect digital and physical spaces,” said 26North Managing Director Tyler Sipprelle. “Its sustained momentum reflects the company’s ability to meet the growing demand for seamless collaboration. We’re excited to support AVI-SPL as it continues to scale organically and through strategic acquisitions to better serve customers around the world.”
This marks 26North’s third investment by its Private Equity platform, following its 2024 acquisitions of ArchKey Solutions and Onelife Fitness. This is the platform’s first transaction in the technology, media and telecommunications sector.
The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of 2025, subject to customary closing conditions. Kirkland & Ellis LLP and Santander served as legal counsel and financial advisor to 26North. Silver Point Capital Direct Lending led and provided debt financing. Goodwin Procter LLP advised AVI-SPL with Guggenheim Securities, LLC and William Blair acting as financial advisors.
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