Beeline Acquires MBO Partners; Expands Extended Workforce Platform to Include Independent Talent
6 MIN
Acquisition empowers companies to safely and efficiently engage the fastest-growing segment of today’s workforce: independent professionals
JACKSONVILLE, FL – June 12, 2025 — Beeline, the leading technology solution provider for managing the global extended workforce, today announced the acquisition of MBO Partners, the premier solution for engaging and managing high-value independent workers, a portfolio company of Emerald Lake Capital Management. This strategic move cements Beeline’s unique position as the only platform purpose-built to manage and optimize every type of external talent — including contingent workers, independent contractors (ICs), consultants, gig workers and payrolled professionals — within a single, compliant, and insight-rich ecosystem.
Contingent labor continues to offer agility and cost efficiency in an evolving labor landscape, and independent talent is among the fastest growing segments. The number of independent contractors in the U.S. has surged by 42.3% since 2021 reaching 72.7 million in 2024 — underscoring a massive, untapped talent pool for enterprises investing in flexible workforce strategies.
As this segment expands, it also faces heightened scrutiny from regulators and tax authorities adding to the complexity of managing a mix of skilled tradespeople, white-collar professionals, shift-based workers, and independent contractors across global markets. Companies that lack a comprehensive Vendor Management System (VMS) risk losing access to critical skills and competitive advantages that come from top external talent.
“Managing independent contractors outside the VMS has historically led to fragmentation, inefficiency, and unnecessary risk,” said Doug Leeby, CEO of Beeline. “With this acquisition, we’re excited to offer a cohesive, global solution that brings structure, compliance, and a seamless experience for the entire extended workforce.”
MBO Partners delivers solutions that make it easier for leading enterprises and high-impact independent contractors to compliantly work together. Through its proprietary platform, MBO Partners has built a comprehensive workforce ecosystem that fuels both sides of the independent economy. Since its founding in 1996, MBO Partners has supported more than 500,000 client projects and has served hundreds of thousands of independent professionals and nearly 4,000 companies.
Leeby continued, “MBO Partner’s mission — to empower independent professionals and increase enterprise agility — aligns perfectly with Beeline’s values and commitment to client success. Their trusted relationships with leading global brands make MBO Partners a strategic and cultural fit that further strengthens our leadership position in total talent management.”
“Joining forces with Beeline marks an exciting new chapter for MBO Partners and the independent workforce we serve,” said Miles Everson, CEO of MBO Partners. “This combination accelerates our shared mission to simplify and elevate how companies engage independent talent — providing a seamless, compliant, and scalable path to access the skills they need to succeed.”
More information can be found here: beeline.com
Lazard served as the financial advisor and Kirkland & Ellis LLP served as legal counsel to MBO Partners in connection with this transaction.
About MBO Partners
MBO Partners connects organizations with a global network of high-value independent professionals. Our workforce solutions help teams secure top talent, scale their independent workforce, and manage the process with confidence and compliance. With 30 years of industry experience, we deliver the tools and support needed to build a future-ready workforce. For more information, visit mbopartners.com.
About Emerald Lake Capital Management
Emerald Lake is a middle market private equity firm investing in capital-efficient businesses with sustainable competitive advantages and strong growth prospects in the industrials and services sectors. Emerald Lake seeks to accelerate company growth and unlock potential through supportive, trusting partnerships with management teams and a proven value-creation strategy. Founded in 2018, the firm manages approximately $1.6 billion of equity capital across its portfolio. For more information, please visit www.elcm.com.
About Beeline
For over 20 years, Beeline has empowered businesses worldwide to achieve competitive advantages with their extended workforce. The Beeline Extended Workforce Platform provides the visibility necessary to mitigate risks, realize cost savings, and adapt to dynamic business needs. With tailored solutions focused on the complexities of the extended workforce, clients can leverage Beeline products that meet their unique requirements. Through thousands of integrations, organizations can connect their extended workforce data across all technology stacks, including major procurement and HR systems.
Join the ranks of renowned brands benefiting from Beeline’s seasoned expertise, collaborative innovation, and industry-leading partner network. Explore more at beeline.com.
Media Contact:
Casey Bush for Beeline
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