Real estate services and investment firm JLL announced the acquisition of Addison-based ValuD Consulting, a real estate and facilities management (RE/FM) technology service provider.

JLL said the deal enhances its ability to offer its clients the next generation of technology to its clients via innovation and heightened expertise in IBM’s TRIRIGA (a solution to manage the lifecycle of facilities), Maximo ( a system for managing physical assets on a common platform), and Watson Internet of Things services.

In August, ValuD was named to Inc. 5000’s 2018 list of the nation’s fastest-growing private companies in the country — ranked 1518 — for a fourth consecutive year. Founded in 2009 by Gopi Latpate, who has been involved in the IBM TRIRIGA platform and application since its inception, ValuD is a gold-accredited IBM business partner for the TRIRIGA solution.

“Adding this depth of specialist talent will give our clients access to the best technology expertise and products.”
Traci Doane

Chicago-based JLL has a large presence in Dallas-Fort Worth.

The acquisition “will add 300 highly skilled technology experts” to its specialized Technology Solutions team globally — many of whom were recruited, trained, and certified through ValuD’s university partnerships, according to JLL.

JLL said it will give their clients access to the best technology expertise and products. Joining forces with ValuD will expand JLL’s expertise in IBM digital solutions and more fully explore emerging technologies including artificial intelligence, cognitive buildings, and predictive analytics, Traci Doane, the Dallas-based president of JLL Technology Solutions, said in a release.

The enhanced expertise will give clients market-leading technology systems that allow for faster, more informed real estate decisions and improved business performance, she said.

“At JLL, we are continuously seeking out new, cutting-edge resources to advance our already high level of client services,” Doane told Dallas Innovates. “With ValuD, we’ll be able to deliver even more efficient real estate solutions, increase the quality of our overall performance and, most importantly, elevate the client experience from beginning to end, and ensure we achieve their corporate ambitions.”

ValuD’s Latpate and Williamson to assume leadership roles

ValuD founder Latpate, who is CEO and CTO, and Scott Williamson, chief commercial officer, will assume leadership roles in the IBM Practice of JLL’s Technology Solutions business.

“By joining JLL, we’re bringing together two growth companies with a common culture,” Latpate said in the release. “We wanted to find the right partner who has the same drive and is serving the same client base—JLL was a perfect match. Combining our talent, tools, and knowledge will drive value for our clients.”

No financial terms of the transaction were released, but JLL said the deal is expected to close in November.

JLL enhancing technology capabilities

JLL has been active in recent months enhancing its technology capabilities. In July, JLL announced the appointment of former Google executive Vinay Goel who joined as global chief digital product officer.

The company previously launched JLL Spark, a global division focused on identifying and delivering new technology-driven real estate service offerings. The $100 million Global Venture Fund invests in companies innovating in proptech, the company said.