M&A Roundup: Flex Technology Group Adds Ultrex; Fraser AIS Tabs DocuSense

Frank Gaspari, FlexPrint

The M&A funnel remained fertile this week with two more acquisitions, as Flex Technology Group picked up Ultrex Business Solutions to operate under the Caltronics Business Systems flag in California. Meanwhile, Fraser Advanced Information Systems (Fraser AIS) netted DocuSense, strengthening its position in the Delaware Valley market.

Flex Technology Group and Oval Partners, a San Francisco-based, multi-family office private equity firm, announced a new partnership with Ultrex Business Solutions, a premier technology solutions company with extensive expertise in managed print, IT services, and information management.

Ultrex Business Solutions has provided California with office technology solutions for well over three decades. With locations in Bakersfield, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura, Ultrex services a wide range of organizations across the region. From small to medium-size companies to large enterprises and government institutions, their team of technology experts can help any organization optimize their business processes through the latest hardware and software solutions.

“We are pleased to announce that Ultrex Business Solutions is now part of the Flex Technology Group family of companies as we continue to aggressively expand our market share,” said Frank Gaspari, CEO of FlexPrint LLC. “Rolf Berkefeld has developed a great team at Ultrex and we’re enthusiastic for the opportunity to build upon their already successful business model.”

Dan Reilly, Caltronics

“Adding Ultrex Business Solutions strengthens our collective presence in the West,” said Dan Reilly, president of Caltronics Business Systems. “We look forward to working with their great employees.”

“We are very excited to join the Flex Technology Group and work closely with Caltronics Business Systems,” said Rolf Berkefeld, president of Ultrex Business Solutions. “We believe that joining FTG brings a level of technology and resources for us to offer more to our employees and clients.”

Ultrex Business Solutions will roll under Caltronics Business Systems but will continue to operate independently leveraging the resources of the combined group. While Berkefeld plans on enjoying retirement following the transition, the remainder of the Ultrex executive team will stay in their leadership roles to ensure the company’s continued success in serving its employees, customers and community.

Fraser AIS-DocuSense

Mike Dudek and Rich Wisniewski of Zygoquest Group served as the advisor to Laser Supply Inc., dba DocuSense, and its owners Bob and Donna Melso, on the sale of assets to Fraser Advanced Information Systems. The terms of the transaction are confidential.

DocuSense specializes in managed print services (MPS) and is authorized by Xerox, Sharp, HP and Lexmark. The dealer developed a core expertise in the management and financial reporting of large printer fleets in working with clients in developing state-of-the-art systems for reporting, managing and controlling printer fleet costs. DocuSense introduced MPS in 2004, becoming one of the first companies to offer it in the Philadelphia region.

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About Oval Partners
Oval Partners is a multi-family office investment firm designed to provide liquidity, growth, capital and acquisition funding to founders of growing businesses across North America. Oval’s capital base is permanent—it is committed, unencumbered and unconstrained in terms of holding period. Oval offers the capabilities and capital of a private equity fund, but the mentality, partner orientation and investment time frame of a private holding company. Oval’s principals have completed more than 75 transactions involving platform investments, acquisitions, exits, and re-financings. Oval focuses on making investments in the tech-enabled services, information services, internet, software/SAAS, and industrial technology markets. FlexPrint embodies the essence of Oval’s targeted “buy and build” strategy in attractive, service-oriented, niche end markets. For additional information, email Dan Ruhl.

About Flex Technology Group
Flex Technology Group provides customized office technology solutions for national and leading-edge regional companies. The company focuses on print, document management, document production and managed IT solutions, representing industry-leading suppliers such as Canon, Ricoh, Konica Minolta, HP, Lexmark, Sharp, and various software solutions. FTG services over 35,000 customers nationally.

About Caltronics Business Systems
Since 1975, Caltronics has been providing California with leading-edge technology and award-winning service in the document management and software solutions industry. Caltronics is a family-owned and operated company with offices throughout California and Arizona to serve you locally and nationwide. Today Caltronics offers the most advanced digital copiers, high-speed color printers and copiers, multifunctional devices, fax and scanning systems, and document management software available. In fact, Caltronics has sold and installed more digital systems than any other independent dealer in the United States.

About Ultrex Business Solutions
Ultrex is a leader in utilizing innovative products, technical experts, and unique software solutions to deliver exceptional value to its customers. Ultrex is transforming business through technology solutions that optimize business processes and the way information is created, shared, stored and secured. Specializing in office equipment, 3D printing, IT services, and information management, Ultrex can customize unique solutions for a variety of industries. Whether you’re in healthcare, finance, manufacturing, education, legal, or commercial printing, Ultrex can help streamline your business processes and optimize the way you run your business.

About Laser Supply Inc., dba DocuSense
Laser Supply Inc., dba DocuSense, located in West Chester, Pennsylvania and founded in 1989, was owned and operated by Bob Melso and Donna Melso, brother and sister. DocuSense served customers throughout the Greater Philadelphia Market – from its headquarters in West Chester, west to Harrisburg, east to Jersey Shore, north to Princeton, NJ, and south to Delaware. DocuSense also served a number of regional and national customers.

About Fraser Advanced Information Systems
Fraser Advanced Information Systems Inc., headquartered in Reading with branch offices in Philadelphia, Harrisburg, Bethlehem, Allentown, Wilkes Barre and now West Chester Pennsylvania, is owned and operated by Bill Fraser. Fraser has been a leading provider of office technology solutions and business process automation for 48 years. Fraser services the office equipment and technology services of clients in all industries throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. Fraser helps companies digitally transform their businesses through the Internet of Things and Fraser’s Smart Tool Set. Fraser remotely manages via the cloud its clients’ information systems, business processes and office equipment from Fraser’s Global Support Center. Fraser provides services in document management, managed print, software solutions and IT and network support. Fraser is an authorized dealer of Sharp and Canon multifunction products (MFPs), printers, copiers, scanners and fax servers. It also is the only full-service provider and vendor of 3DSystems 3D printing technology. Fraser delivers outstanding value to its customers and makes ordinary offices extraordinary.

About Zygoquest Group and Mike Dudek
Mike Dudek, an attorney and CPA, is the owner of Zygoquest Group “seeking to unite” which provides customized merger & acquisition services to buyers & sellers of companies. Zygoquest is the #1 M&A authority in the office products industry. Dudek & Rich Wisniewski are authors of over 500 consummated M&A transactions including many technology services acquisitions during their careers. Prior to founding Zygoquest, Dudek was vice president of acquisitions for IKON Office Solutions, a $5.5 billion NYSE company acquired by Ricoh Corporation. Dudek has evaluated transactions ranging from the smallest transactions to the largest deals in the office products industry – from million-dollar deals to billion-dollar deals. The Zygoquest website contains deals you will recognize.

About Law Office of Mike Dudek
Mike Dudek also owns the Law Office of Mike Dudek, which provides owners and executives with customized and affordable legal services on mergers and acquisitions and other complex business transactions.