Case Closed: Riverside’s Latest Investment Helps Law Enforcement Manage Evidence

The Riverside Company, a global private equity firm focused on the smaller end of the middle market, has invested in QueTel, the technology leader in digital and physical evidence management that also helps law enforcement agencies handle back-office processes, such as forensic request processing, and the management of equipment, uniforms and supplies. QueTel is an add-on to Riverside’s Omnigo Software platform. Omnigo is the leading provider of public safety, incident reporting and security management solutions for law enforcement, education, healthcare, gaming, hospitality and other enterprises.

Omnigo and QueTel share a common vision of developing software that enhances community safety, improves the day-to-day lives of law enforcement and security personnel and helps customers manage costs and meet compliance requirements. By joining teams, the combined business brings together world-class expertise in public safety software, accelerates its delivery of innovative solutions to customers and extends its support capabilities.

“QueTel has been effectively servicing law enforcement agencies for more than 30 years and is a perfect complement to Omnigo,” said Riverside Managing Partner Loren Schlachet. “We’re looking to enhance the company’s already proven and successful product functionality as well as expand upon its sales and marketing function during our partnership.”

Riverside has completed more than 130 Software & IT investments, now including four add-ons to Omnigo. The firm continues to seek complementary add-on acquisitions that allow Omnigo to better serve its public safety customers.

The investment in QueTel will allow for even more assistance and support to first responders, a critical group of people on the front lines during the current global pandemic.

“We look forward to adding QueTel to this family of software solutions, helping them grow their product offering and geographic footprint to support even more law enforcement agencies and security personnel,” said Riverside Partner Joe Lee. “What really excites us about the QueTel team is its forward stance on bringing software innovation to make law enforcement’s job easier, such as mobile digital evidence collection for officers in the field. We are anxious to develop these areas with the QueTel team at such a critical time.”

QueTel’s operations will remain in Fairfax County, Virginia. “Both of our organizations are committed to maintaining and improving upon how we serve our customers,” said Founder and President of QueTel Jim Cleaveland. “We share a common vision of delivering innovative solutions, best-in-class support as well as creating opportunities for our employees. This will only accelerate through our combination.” Cleaveland will stay involved as a consultant to ensure a smooth transition and remains an owner in the combined organization.

Working with Schlachet and Lee on the deal for Riverside were Senior Associate Jake Stoller, Associate Caroline Peck, Analyst Sarah Jensen, Operating Partner Michael Davis and Finance Director Mark Pigott. Managing Partner, Origination, Jeremy Holland sourced the deal for the firm.

QueTel was advised by Stout Risius Ross Advisors, LLC, with Keith Sipes, Managing Director and Global Head of Technology M&A, leading Stout’s deal team.