26North Partners LP just announced an agreement to acquire a controlling stake in AVI-SPL from Marlin Equity Partners and other selling shareholders. 26North is the next-generation alternatives platform founded by Josh Harris. AVI-SPL is, of course, a global leader in audiovisual and unified communications technologies. Marlin and select shareholders will retain a minority interest in the company. Financial terms of the deal remain undisclosed.
AVI-SPL is a partner to some the world’s most recognized brands. In fact, it serves more than 86% of the Fortune 100. The company delivers mission-critical audiovisual, collaboration and experiential technology solutions that power the modern workplace. Its work spans installation, integration and managed services across North America, South America, Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) and the Asia-Pacific regions.
AVI-SPL is the Kind of Business That 26North Seeks
“AVI-SPL exemplifies the kind of business we seek out at 26North — resilient, essential and built for long-term growth,” Mark Weinberg, head of private equity at 26North, says. He continues, “It operates in an expanding market, holds a leadership position and serves a diversified, blue-chip customer base.”
According to the announcement, the investment reflects 26North’s strategy of backing high-quality, middle-market companies with strong fundamentals and proven leadership. CEO John Zettel leads AVI-SPL’s management team. According to the announcement, that team 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,” Zettel declares. He adds, “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.”
AVI-SPL boasts more than 4,400 employees across more than 70 offices worldwide. Moreover, it has completed more than 120,000 projects in 100-plus countries. The company is recognized for delivering scalable solutions that are easy to use and that have a measurable impact. Those qualities closely align with 26North’s investment philosophy.
26North Will Support AVI-SPL
26North will support AVI-SPL through its Alpha Creation Team (ACT). According to the announcement, that’s 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.
26North’s managing director, Tyler Sipprelle, notes that AVI-SPL is at the forefront of redefining how organizations connect digital and physical spaces. “Their sustained momentum reflects the company’s ability to meet the growing demand for seamless collaboration,” he explains. Sipprelle continues, “We’re excited to support AVI-SPL as it continues to scale organically and through strategic acquisitions to better serve customers around the world.”
The AVI-SPL deal marks 26North’s third investment by its Private Equity platform following its 2024 acquisitions of ArchKey Solutions and Onelife Fitness. It is the strategy’s first transaction in the technology, media and telecommunications sector.
Transformation Over the Years
Marlin managing director Alex Beregovsky describes AVI-SPL’s transformation over the past five years as remarkable. He says, “From merging two industry leaders at the outset and subsequently working closely with the management team to build a market-leading platform organically and with acquisitions, we are proud of what we have been able to accomplish together.” Beregovsky continues, “We are enthusiastic to continue our partnership with the team, together with 26North, to support AVI-SPL’s next chapter of growth.”
The transaction is expected to close in Q3/25. It is subject to customary closing conditions.
