Affluence Corporation announced its strategic intent to acquire Durham Black, LLC. The acquisition is a significant step forward in Affluence growth strategy, aimed at establishing itself as a global leader in solutions that power both smart industries and next generation Internet. Following the close of the transaction, Patrick Shutt will be named CEO.

Patrick Shutt is a leader in the telecom, technology, and adjacent software sectors and brings a depth of experience and an extensive 25-year track record of success. He has been a Founder, CEO and has provided unique value for every organization he has been with. Patrick has led capital transactions in excess of $800 million, of note, Goldman Sachs underwrote the IPO of Universal Access where Mr. Shutt as CEO raised $240 million in equity and had a market cap over $5.5 billion at its peak.

Mr. Shutt has a history of growing technology companies as he grew Universal Access to $144 million in revenue in four years and as CEO of Unitas Global grew that company from $2 million in revenue to $80 million in revenue.