As 2022 heads down the final stretch, Gordon Flesch Co. (GFC) and Applied Innovation both added to their product and service portfolio via the M&A route. Madison, Wisconsin-based GFC acquired Oshkosh Office Systems and Applied Innovation of Grand Rapids, Michigan, completed a deal for Mid-City Office Systems, based in Auburn, Indiana.
It marked the third deal of the year for Applied Innovation, which has acquired Advanced Imaging Solutions and Sands Office Equipment Service. Earlier this year, GFC obtained Stan’s LP Midwest.
Oshkosh Office Systems (OOS) is a privately-owned provider of business technology services in central Wisconsin.
Like GFC, OOS is truly a pioneer in the office equipment industry. Founded in 1898, this independently owned office equipment and supply company has an established tradition of offering high-quality products backed by an experienced team of dedicated staff.
“Oshkosh Office Systems is known for their award-winning customer service, skilled employees and long-term, satisfied customers,” says Patrick Flesch, president of GFC. “This acquisition will not only expand our services further into central Wisconsin but mirrors our GFC values. We are happy to welcome OOS into the GFC family.”
In addition to sharing similar corporate values, GFC and OOS both are authorized Ricoh dealers which will help to facilitate a smooth transition. The merged company will be known as the Gordon Flesch Company and will continue to serve business customers in Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Ohio and South Dakota.
“We are proud of our high-quality service, creativity and customer responsiveness that has been a part of our tradition at Oshkosh Office Systems,” says Carolyn Grady, Executive Vice President of OOS. “Joining the Gordon Flesch Company family is an exciting opportunity to carry on our traditions while also building new ones, together.”
Applied Innovation-Mid-City Office Systems
Applied Innovation, one of the nation’s largest and most successful providers of office technology products and services, acquired Mid-City Office Systems of Auburn, Indiana, further strengthening its presence in the Hoosier state. The acquisition, effective Nov. 1, gives Applied Innovation four branch locations in Northern Indiana.
Founded in 1952, Mid-City Office Systems has served Northern Indiana, Northern Ohio, and Southern Michigan with IT support, VoIP systems, computer sales, and the sales and service of copiers with Canon as their primary manufacturer. The company will now operate under the Applied Innovation brand, but according to John Lowery, president and CEO of Applied Innovation, their customers will continue to see the same service, sales and administration teams.
“It will be an extremely smooth transition for their customers since we have long represented the Canon product line and we don’t anticipate any personnel changes,” said Lowery, who founded Applied Innovation in 1987. “Plus, they will have the benefit of Applied Innovation’s expanded products and services offerings that include managed network services and additional IT support, enterprise-level document hardware and software, secure document shredding, voice and carrier services, facilities management, medical waste disposal, and much more.”
“The acquisition represents a combination of two entrepreneurial companies, with strong cultures and beliefs deeply rooted in people, customer experience, and service,” said Michael Boswell, president of Mid-City Office Systems. “I’m thrilled for our customers because I know they are in great hands and now have a single source provider for all their business technology needs.”
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About the Gordon Flesch Company
The Gordon Flesch Company is one of the largest independent providers of office technology solutions in the nation. Family-owned since 1956, the Gordon Flesch Company employs more than 650 people throughout 32 offices in the Midwest, with their corporate office in Madison, Wisconsin. They deliver unique business process expertise to solve challenging problems and achieve organizational goals. This includes integrating industry-leading software and hardware to build custom solutions that are supported by technical expertise, customer service and flexible, in-house financial services.
About Oshkosh Office Systems
Established in 1898, Oshkosh Office Systems is a true pioneer in the office equipment industry. As one of the oldest, independently owned office equipment and supply companies in Wisconsin, Oshkosh Office Systems has an established tradition of offering high-quality products backed by an experienced team of dedicated staff.
About Applied Innovation
With over 35 years of expertise, Applied Innovation provides imaging, technology, and automation services to businesses, healthcare organizations, educational institutions, manufacturing operations, and much more. Our goal, to improve our clients’ businesses and the lives of the people working within them, is measured by our 98.8% client retention rate. Applied Innovation locations in Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, and Florida are home to over 500 team members, our world-class technology partnerships, and a unique Customer Loyalty Center.
