MSPmentor

In a small but strategic regional deal, Heartland Technology Solutions has acquired CNS Inc. The deal creates an 85-person managed services provider (MSP) serving the Midwest region. This is the latest example of managed services M&A activity in recent weeks. Here are some quick details.

According to a joint press release:

“Heartland Technology Solutions (HTS) of Harlan, IA…has acquired Computers, Networks, Solutions Inc. (CNS) of St. Joseph, MO effective October 15, 2010. CNS is an established business technology provider with a strong client base in the St. Joseph and Kansas City area. The acquisition gives HTS its seventh location across the Midwest and the opportunity to provide industry leading support and service to businesses in the Northwest Missouri region.”

The deal also empowers HTS with telephony expertise, according to a prepared statement from HTS President Connie Arentson. Added HTS CEO Arlin Sorensen via email: “This will give us a location right in the middle of our regional footprint. Been a hole for far too long. We will be at 85 [employees] with the dozen new [CNS] teammates we brought on.”

Financial terms of the HTS-CNS deal were not disclosed.

No doubt, M&A activity seems to be picking up among small IT service providers, VARs and MSPs. Other recent deals include:

• ClearPointe acquiring Do IT Smarter, the well-known master MSP.
• HEIT acquiring Simpler-Webb, in a deal targeting the financial services vertical.

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