VALDOSTA — ELead1ONE has entered into a “definitive agreement” to be acquired by CDK Global, according to industry representatives.

CDK Global’s board of directors unanimously agreed to acquire Valdosta’s largest private sector employer. According to a previous report by the Times, ELead1One/Fresh Beginnings employs approximately 1,582 residents in Valdosta/Lowndes County.

Brian MacDonald, president and CEO, CDK Global, said the two companies will complement each other’s work, according to CDK Global representatives.

“As we looked at how best to rapidly address the needs of dealers in today’s evolving marketplace, we determined that ELEAD1ONE’s centerpiece (customer relationship management software) offering and fully integrated suite of layered applications fit well with our diversified product offerings,” MacDonald said in a statement. “In addition, ELEAD1ONE’s well-regarded customer service capabilities will complement our focus on delivering an outstanding experience to its dealer customers. We look forward to helping dealers deliver a great customer experience with our combined products and services.”

Judy Hathcock, founder and president of ELead, stated if the acquisition is completed, the two companies will work together to invest in technology growth in their respective business sectors.

“Together with CDK, the integrated companies will leverage vast resources to continue to invest in state-of-the-art information technology, innovative software application development and highly effective communication platforms that emphasize superior user experiences with significant measurable (return on investments) and reporting,” Hathcock said. “Together we remain dedicated to focusing on innovation, support and delivering the highest quality technology, products and services.”

CDK Global, Nasdaq: CDK, is a global provider of integrated information technology and digital marketing solutions to the automotive retail and adjacent industries, according to a company press release.

Focusing on enabling end-to-end automotive commerce, CDK Global provides solutions to dealers in more than 100 countries around the world, serving approximately 28,000 retail locations and most automotive manufacturers, the release states.

CDK Global’s solutions automate and integrate all parts of the dealership and buying process from targeted digital advertising and marketing campaigns to the sale, financing, insuring, parts supply, repair and maintenance of vehicles. For more information, visit www.cdkglobal.com.

ELead provides fully integrated customer relationship management software solutions to automotive dealers and serves approximately 4,000 dealerships across North America, according to the release. The company’s platform delivers a comprehensive customer experience through its solution suite by combining sales, marketing, contact center and more into a single dashboard. For more information, visit www.elead-crm.com.

The sale of ELead1ONE is subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory reviews.

The value of the transaction was not disclosed.

Jason Smith is a reporter at The Valdosta Daily Times. He can be contacted at 229-244-3400 ext.1257.