Fontana, CA (March 31, 2025) – Agent Information Software (OTCPK: AIFS), the parent company of Auto-Graphics, Inc., the pioneer of State Interlibrary Loan (ILL) software systems, announced today that it has been acquired by Soutron Global, an internationally recognized SaaS provider of information management and preservation solutions.
The transaction is valued at $12.0 million with proceeds of $10.4 million paid at the close of the transaction and $1.6 million held in escrow and reserve for a potential payment 18 months from the transaction date. This represents a total price per share of $2.34, which is a 111% premium to the closing price as of March 27, 2025, of which, up to $0.35 will be paid in 18 months.
“I am very excited about the future of Auto-Graphics with our new partner Soutron Global”, said Paul Cope, President of Auto-Graphics. “After 51 years of working at A-G, a company founded by my grandfather 75 years ago, it was time for me to pass on the reins. Soutron Global is combining the management of the companies to make us stronger, and I am sure they will bring fresh ideas to the combined company. I know the Auto-Graphics team will continue the work to facilitate the lending of library books, digital assets and other resources available to millions of library goers. I have had the pleasure of meeting great customers and working with a staff that are like family. I look forward to watching the next evolution of the company”.
“I am incredibly proud that Auto-Graphics, a true pioneer in library management and resource sharing, has chosen Soutron Global as its partner for the future. Auto-Graphics’ legacy of innovation and excellence in library automation aligns perfectly with our mission to deliver transformative information management solutions. Their joining forces with Soutron Global is a natural fit, and we are excited to build upon Auto-Graphics’ strong foundation and impressive legacy,” states Tony Saadat, President & CEO of Soutron Global. “With the support, resources, and expertise of Bloom Equity Partners and Atlasview Equity Partners, Soutron Global is well-positioned to expand our capabilities, continue to advance innovation in the industry and drive even greater value for our clients.”
Auto-Graphics solutions include SHAREit, the leading statewide Inter-library loan system, VERSO Integrated Library System that helps Libraries manage their resources and workflow, and MONTAGE, a cloud based digital collections solution.
About Auto-Graphics Inc.
Auto-Graphics, Inc. has been an industry leader in library management and resource sharing software for over 50 years. Auto-Graphics was the first to provide Cloud-based library resource sharing solutions. The company’s fully integrated suite of library software products is used in over 6,000 state-wide public and academic libraries throughout North America.
About Soutron Global, Inc.
Soutron Global is an internationally recognized SaaS provider of transformative information management and preservation solutions for archives, libraries, museums and knowledge management hubs. Backed by decades of experience, award-winning leadership and a commitment to innovation, we empower organizations of all types to transform how they organize, access, preserve and deliver their collection assets. From library holdings and proprietary knowledge to cultural artifacts and archival assets, Soutron Global solutions enhance access, preservation and findability. Dedicated to exceeding client expectations, we embrace new challenges and consider our clients’ success to be our success.
Telegraph Hill Advisors, a boutique investment bank based in San Francisco that provides merger and acquisition, capital raising, and financial advisory services to emerging growth technology companies was the M&A advisor to Auto-Graphics Inc. on the sale transaction. Stubbs Alderton & Markiles, LLP, Sherman Oaks, CA served as legal counsel to Auto-Graphics, and Reicker, Pfau, Pyle & McRoy, Santa Barbara, CA served as legal counsel to Soutron Global.
Product Manager, SHAREit
Product Manager – VERSO
Customer Service Manager
Chief Technology Officer
Dr. Murphy has been a director since December 2012. He has over 20 years experience as a successful software executive specializing in high-growth SaaS companies. He currently is CEO of GVNG Technology and Practitioner of Strategy at the Pepperdine Graziadio Business School. Dr. Murphy is an active member on the board of directors for several early-stage and private equity owned companies. He received his MBA from Pepperdine University and his Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) from the Alliance Manchester Business School at The University of Manchester.
Mr. Hicks, CPA, has been a director since February 2012. Mr. Hicks is Chairman of the Audit Committee. Mr. Hicks has been a practicing certified public accountant for over twenty-five years in addition to partnering and managing both an underground construction company and real estate development business. Currently, Mr. Hicks is a founder and senior partner of Hicks & Williams, LLP a certified public accounting firm providing tax, audit and management consulting services to small and medium size clients across the nation.
Mr. Heath has been a director since December 2012. Mr. Heath immigrated to California from Canada during the Internet commerce boom in 1999. Mr. Heath was formerly Vice President, Secondary Markets at Best Buy (2008-2010) and founded Dealtree.com in 1999, where he was CTO & COO from (2001-2010). Mr. Heath has developed expert system technologies for managing online sales channels and created several online marketplaces supporting secondary market sales. Mr. Heath is an Internet technology and business operations consultant and serves as President of Heath Investment Properties LLC. Mr. Heath is an active member of Rotary, and currently serves a Technology Director for District 5320 in Southern California.
Ken Kerr has been a director since April 2020. During his career, he served in a variety of leadership positions in sales, marketing, and operations with companies in startup, turnaround, and expansion. Most recently he was CEO/CFO of Advisys, Inc., a SaaS company providing financial planning solutions to Fortune 100 banks, brokerages and insurance companies, and thousands of independent financial advisers. He retired from Advisys in 2018 and now consults with businesses to improve profits and productivity through effective employee engagement strategies. Ken graduated Cum Laude from UCLA with a bachelor’s degree in English Literature and has an MBA with an emphasis in Technology Management from the University of Phoenix.
Product Manager, SHAREit – Customer Services
Product Manager, VERSO – Technical Services
Director of Information Technology
Controller
Director of Customer Service and Quality Assurance
Chief Operations Officer
Vice President of Sales
President