WatServ Announces Backing From Brookfield Asset Management

Cloud services provider WatServ has announced it is now backed by the private equity arm of Brookfield Asset Management, a global alternative asset manager.

Brookfield's support will enable WatServ to continue expand its business as a provider of managed cloud computing solutions for Microsoft Dynamics ERP and CRM applications on both Microsoft Azure and WatServ Private Cloud, according to company officials.

"The WatServ name and management team will remain the same, as does our commitment to be best-in-class suppliers of hosted Microsoft Dynamics AX, hosted Dynamics NAV, hosted Dynamics GP, hosted Dynamics CRM," the company said in a statement.

In addition to the existing ongoing expansion of service offerings for managed Azure, Office 365, and CRM Online, the Brookfield partnership will provide WatServ with the resources to expand more rapidly. Brookfield will also offer WatServ the guidance of an organization that has had success with its investments, officials said. WatServ is currently hiring as well.

WatServ is based in Waterloo, Ontario, with U.S. offices in Southfield, Michigan; Minneapolis, Minnesota; and a U.K. office in Reading.

Based in Toronto, Brookfield is a global alternative asset manager with approximately $225 billion in assets under management. The company owns and operates assets with a focus on property, renewable energy, infrastructure and private equity, according to the company's website.

Brookfield typically invests in companies with favorable characteristics, such as businesses that are low-cost producers, businesses that benefit from high barriers to entry, and businesses with tangible underlying assets, according to the website.

"Our business model is simple: utilize our global reach to identify and acquire high quality real assets at favorable valuations, finance them on ...