Novations Acquires ProGroup, Minneapolis Diversity Firm

Michael Hyter/Myrna Marofsky

BOSTON, June 11— Novations Group, Inc., a global training and consulting organization, has acquired ProGroup, Inc., a Minneapolis-based provider of corporate diversity training. Founded in 1986 and staffed by more than two-dozen professionals, ProGroup offers a comprehensive range of diversity products and services.

“We have always held ProGroup in great esteem,” said Novations’ President and CEO Michael Hyter. “And when we were presented with this opportunity we didn’t hesitate. The addition of ProGroup will significantly strengthen our diversity and inclusion business and reinforce our leadership position in the global marketplace.”

ProGroup CEO Karen Stinson, who along with President Myrna Marofsky will continue in an advisory role, expressed satisfaction with the transaction. “We certainly had a number of options, but we sought out Novations, which long ago as J. Howard & Associates earned its reputation as a respected leader in the D&I sector. So we’re gratified to be able to entrust our valued staff and client relationships to Novations, confident they will go on growing and prospering within the merged organization.”

Like Novations, ProGroup provides diversity services to client companies both across the U.S. and internationally. ProGroup’s Minneapolis office will remain open and continue to operate under the ProGroup name for the immediate future.

Transaction terms were not disclosed.

Founded in 2002 and based in Boston, Novations Group (www.novations.com) is committed to building the capacity of individuals and organizations worldwide. The firm provides an array of consulting and training services including diversity & inclusion, selection, leadership development, communications, sales & service as well as project management. In 2006 Novations was itself acquired by private equity firm MCG Global (www.mcgglobal.com) of Westport, CT.

ProGroup’s mission (www.progroupinc.com) is to partner with organizations to meet their business goals by creating workplaces where all employees perform to their full potential and meet the needs of today’s increasingly diverse marketplaces.

Contact: Pat FitzGerald, Novations Group Inc., 617-787-2163, or Phil Ryan, Ryan Public Relations, 845-339-7858.