Blackboard acquires POS provider Sequoia Retail Systems

Blackboard wants a bigger share of your college experience.
The D.C.-based edtech giant announced Tuesday the acquisition of higher ed-focused point-of-sale (POS) company Sequoia Retail Systems. The terms of the deal were not disclosed.

News: we are strengthening our campus solutions with point-of-sale leader, @Sequoiars. https://t.co/d3gWAfDsxD pic.twitter.com/fE3cx86Lm5

— Blackboard (@Blackboard) May 31, 2016

What Blackboard did disclose is the company’s belief that the acquisition of the Mountain View, Calif.-based Sequoia, a longtime partner, will augment Blackboard Transact’s “cashless campus” offering.
“Together, we are an elegant fit in that we take pride in how we serve our clients, care for students and hold ourselves accountable,” David Marr, senior vice president of Blackboard Transact, wrote in a blog post.
A press release on the acquisition takes care to note that the deal will not change Blackboard’s arrangements with other POS providers: “Blackboard Transact is committed to providing educational institutions with a choice of multiple integrated technologies, creating a vibrant ecosystem to support their varied and growing needs.”
Blackboard recently relocated its global HQ, moving back to the company’s original offices at 1111 19th St. NW.