• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
Kinderhook Industries

Kinderhook Industries

  • Investment Philosophy
  • Team
  • Our Portfolio
  • Portfolio News
  • LP Portal

ZVRS Acquires Purple Communications

ZVRS Acquires Purple Communications

February 15, 2017

New York, NY – ZVRS Holding Company (“ZVRS” or the “Company”), a portfolio company of Kinderhook Industries, LLC (“Kinderhook”), announced today the acquisition of Purple Communications, Inc. (“Purple”), a leading provider of video relay services (“VRS”) to the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing communities. Purple represents the second add-on acquisition for ZVRS. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Based in Clearwater, FL, ZVRS is a nationally recognized provider of VRS that enable Deaf and Hard-of- Hearing individuals to communicate with hearing people worldwide.

Headquartered in Rocklin, CA, Purple provides high-quality VRS for use on multiple platforms (e.g., TV, desktop, laptop, tablet and smartphone) as well as on-site interpreting capabilities.

ZVRS’ acquisition of Purple Communications will create a strong competitive force in the industry, bringing healthy market competition to create better products and services for consumers. The integration of ZVRS and Purple Communications will also be met with a commitment to improve interoperability amongst VRS providers, further supporting the customer experience. ZVRS is dedicated to delivering the best experience for customers as promised to them by the Americans with Disabilities Act – a commitment that will be bolstered by the acquisition of Purple Communications.

“We are thrilled to be acquiring Purple Communications to better serve our customers with innovative products and services, expand outreach programs, and strengthen our commitment to the Deaf community,” said Sherri Turpin, Chief Executive Officer of ZVRS. “ZVRS is excited to lead the market in this new chapter and will ensure a sustainable and seamless integration of operations for customers throughout this process.”

“Sherri and her management team have had tremendous success building a strong relationship with the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing community,” said Chris Michalik, Managing Director at Kinderhook. “The acquisition of Purple enables ZVRS to supplement its commitment to this community with best-in-class VRS capabilities. Kinderhook looks forward to continuing to support ZVRS in its mission to provide the best VRS customer experience in the industry.”

Kirkland & Ellis LLP served as legal counsel to ZVRS. Financing for the transaction was provided by Goldman Sachs Specialty Lending Group and White Oak Global Advisors.


About Kinderhook Industries

Founded in 2003, Kinderhook Industries, LLC is a private investment firm that manages over $5.4 billion of committed capital. We have made in excess of 375 investments and follow-on acquisitions since inception. Kinderhook’s investment philosophy is predicated on matching unique, growth-oriented investment opportunities with exceptional financial expertise and our proprietary network of operating partners. Our focus is on middle market businesses with defensible niche market positioning in the healthcare services, environmental / business services, and automotive / light manufacturing sectors. We have a track record of successfully and consistently building industry leaders.

For more information, please visit https://www.kinderhook.com


About ZVRS

ZVRS, based in Clearwater, FL, provides video relay services ("VRS") to the deaf and hard of hearing, allowing them to connect with hearing individuals over video telephones or similar devices such as iPads, via American Sign Language interpreters.

For more information, please visit http://www.zvrs.com/

Copyright © 2023 Kinderhook Industries. All rights reserved.