Darren Metz, Novatech CEO
For the third time in the last two years, Nashville-based Novatech has ratcheted up its standing in the Atlanta market via an acquisition by obtaining Consolidated Copier Services (CCS), based in McDonough, GA. The deal lifts Novatech into the $15 million sales range in that city alone, making it one of the three largest dealerships there.
In late 2017, then-NovaCopy acquired Atlanta-based Kopier Net and the copier/printer division of Service Technologies. This latest deal marks the 13th acquisition overall for Novatech and the fifth in the past two years. The other additions in the past 24 months are e/Doc Systems of Memphis, TN; South Mississippi Business Machines in Hattiesburg, MS; and CSS Document Solutions in Meridian, MS.
Novatech will retain the Consolidated Copier Services name, office and staff.
The CSS deal was interesting in its development. Owner Pat Nunnally sought to retire, yet was torn between selling the dealership or giving it to his son, Lincoln Nunnally. However, Novatech CEO Darren Metz worked out a deal that enabled the younger Nunnally to have a stake in the business.
Lincoln Nunnally, Novatech
“It was a unique situation where we facilitated the founder’s son becoming a part owner of Novatech,” Metz said. “Often times, a seller faces an either/or decision in regards to transitioning ownership. We were able to give them both. It’s a succession plan, liquidity and equity for his son.”
In addition to the geography coverage, Metz liked that CSS is a fellow Konica Minolta dealer, which helped avoid the complexities of adding another product line. He also cited CSS’ outstanding workforce and its 32 years of experience in serving the market.
“It’s a rapidly consolidating market, kind of like the Oklahoma Land Rush, and clearly CSS was right there in our patch,” he said. “It advances our overall business plan to emerge as the regional, and eventually national, consolidator in our space.”
An industry-leading managed IT and print services provider, Novatech is recognized a record 12 times by Inc. Magazine as one of the fastest growing companies in the United States with 13 branches throughout the South and revenues of $100 million.
“Novatech was Consolidated Copier Services’ choice to ensure continued industry-leading solutions for its customers,” said Pat Nunnally, CCS president. “We believe the efforts of our combined teams will bring added value and greater opportunities with enhanced services and even more state-of-the-art equipment and solutions to our customers and communities.”
Metz noted that his M&A pipeline is quite robust, and he expects to announce another acquisition in the next 60 days. His goal is to add one dealer per quarter, but he expects to exceed that goal in 2019.
“As we seek to grow throughout the south, we’re reminded of Novatech’s mission to flourish as a team by delivering caring, efficient service and support to our customers and to each other,” Metz said. “We deliver outstanding equipment and service performance beyond our customers’ expectations, with the fastest on-site service available. That’s what sets us apart from all the rest.”
