It seems almost superfluous to mention the amount of M&A activity in the IT industry these days, with a new deal seemingly surfacing each day. However, when two companies with a longstanding relationship come together, it provides an interesting snapshot of the state of the industry. The added twist: One of the companies got its start as a Commodore 64 reseller more than 30 years ago.
The story involves Century Business Technologies and Dynamic Computer Solutions. The two companies have worked together for several years, but it wasn’t until recently that it made sense for Century to buy Dynamic.
“Things just kind of came together with Century Business Technologies over the last few months,” Mitch Miller, founder and president of Dynamic, tells ChannelE2E. “My wife Fran and I weren’t actively looking to sell, but things worked out that it was a very positive step for everyone involved.”
Century was looking to expand its managed IT services business. The acquired company now becomes Century's Dynamic Division, which will complement the firm's existing SMB technology offerings, Century said in a prepared statement. The division offers an integrated suite of managed IT services from hardware, software, and remote monitoring, to cloud application hosting, telephony, and strategic IT planning. Dynamic will also provide customers with strategic, long-term IT strategy and planning with a personal Virtual Chief Information Officer (vCIO).
Miller, who founded Dynamic in 1984, shifts to VP of Century's Dynamic Division. Dynamic’s employees will also remain and work alongside Century’s customers and professional services team, the company confirmed.
Growth Plans
Century will continue to provide its traditional offerings to a wider array of customers across the state. The lineup spans printing, scanning, cloud services, document management, business process optimization, managed print, mobile technology, production print, creative and professional services, and LED lighting.
Century boasts more than 65 employees across six locations throughout Kansas. CEO Dawna McCabe has been expanding and evolving the company. McCabe explains:
“In recent years, Century has moved to being a consultative company for small to mid-sized businesses and combining forces with Dynamic Computer Solutions makes our offering even more complete. Together we can provide all of our customers the opportunity to receive the same high level of service that they have come to know from us across all areas of their businesses."
Company Background
Century opened its doors as Century Office Products in 1981, funded by Mel Woods and Marshall Hanson. Woods’ daughter, McCabe, worked for the company in various managerial roles for 14 years, and in 2014 made an investment into the company when her father retired. Now she is president and CEO and also works alongside her husband, Mark McCabe, who serves as the Chief Business Development Officer.
Meanwhile, Dynamic’s history stretches back to 1984, when Miller operated a retail store selling Commodore 64 and Vic 20 computers. Miller tells ChannelE2E he’s proud of what he’s accomplished with his company and looks forward to the next phase. His company, he notes, never missed a payroll for its employees in 34 years. Now, he’s looking forward to plugging Century's customers into Dynamics' managed service offerings.
