Whenever a dealership makes a big play in a new geography or with a debut product/service capability via the acquisition route, annexing the recognized leader in either category is the optimal splash to make. That’s what Pacific Office Automation (POA) had in mind when it wanted to announce its presence in the wide-format realm with a bang. MKCNext in Southern California provided the ammo.
It wasn’t the only deal made by an industry heavyweight. UBEO Business Services of Austin, Texas, scored a pair of additions in the southeast, netting CEI in North Carolina and ABR Digital Office Solutions, with locations in Georgia and South Carolina.
We’ll begin out west. POA snapped up MKCNext, the Agoura Hills, California-based leader in high-end wide-format printing equipment, service and consumables. The deal, which closed April 1, was the second announced transaction in as many weeks for Beaverton, Oregon-headquartered dealer, which also picked up Western Business Products.
POA revealed it had eclipsed the $500 mark in annual revenue during its kickoff event earlier this year, and the wide-format foray represents a solid push in pursuit of the billion-dollar mark. MKCNext has built a nationally recognized reputation as a specialist in industrial wide-format technology, primarily Canon high-end wide-format equipment. The company offers comprehensive end-to-end solutions, including equipment sales, inks and media, color management and workflow optimization, consulting, installation and ongoing maintenance.
MKCNext’s customers span across applications such as display graphics, signage, architectural and engineering drawings, construction documents, technical printing and specialty production environments where precision, reliability and uptime are mission-critical.
These offerings are supported by an elite team of factory-trained technicians who deploy nationwide to service equipment wherever customers operate, providing expert remote diagnostics, on-site repair, preventative maintenance programs, and performance tuning to keep high-volume environments running at peak efficiency.
This acquisition brings wide-format expertise into the POA organization, combining it with POA’s full product portfolio and network of more than 250 field technicians to create a truly nationwide sales and service model.
“This is a category-defining move for Pacific Office Automation,” said Adam Pritchett, CEO of POA. “Wide-format has always been a specialized space, and MKCNext is simply the best in the business. By pairing their expertise with our national scale and full portfolio, we’re building a capability that redefines what customers can expect from a technology partner. This is more than just an acquisition; it sets a new standard for the industry.”
In addition to technical expertise, the acquisition provides customers with access to MKCNext’s substantial inventory of certified pre-owned and refurbished wide-format equipment, further strengthening POA’s ability to deliver flexible, cost-effective solutions at scale. Customers will be able to choose from new and pre-owned systems, bundled with the full portfolio and structured service agreements tailored to the needs of corporate, public sector and production print environments.
Clint Fox, owner of MKCNext, will remain with the organization as Vice President of Wide Format, leading the continued development of POA’s national wide-format practice.
“I started MKCNext to bring a higher level of expertise and service to the wide-format market, and partnering with POA is the natural next step,” said Fox. “The scale, team, and resources accelerate everything we’ve built. This is an opportunity to take a historically regional category and deliver it at a national level.”
MKCNext will continue operating under its existing name during a phased transition. POA will maintain all existing Canon dealer authorizations and service commitments, now backed by the full resources of Pacific Office Automation.
Now in its 50th year, POA continues to expand both its geographic reach and technical capabilities. Earlier this month, the company announced the acquisition of Western Business Products, extending its presence along the Interstate 5 corridor between Medford, Oregon, and Sacramento, California. The addition of MKCNext builds on that momentum, further strengthening POA’s position as a national leader in office technology and managed services.
UBEO Business Services-CEI/ABR Digital Office Solutions
This dual expansion significantly strengthens UBEO’s footprint across the Southeast. By combining national resources with decades of trusted local expertise, UBEO aims to elevate technology support for growing businesses in these key regions.
Since 1962, CEI has served as a reliable technology partner for organizations in the Raleigh-Durham area. Over the years, CEI has built a lasting legacy of delivering quality technology solutions backed by exceptional support. By joining the UBEO family, the local CEI team will continue to manage daily operations while offering clients a major upgrade in capabilities and security solutions. After all, managing a modern business requires much more than just making sure the printer has enough toner.
Similarly, ABR Digital Office Solutions has provided advanced office technology, managed print services, and mailing equipment to businesses throughout Southeast Georgia and South Carolina since 1985. The ABR team helps companies of all sizes streamline daily workflows and optimize their operations. Through this acquisition, ABR customers will retain the dedicated, friendly local service they expect, now fully backed by UBEO’s expansive national network and competitive software packages.
Bringing both CEI and ABR under the UBEO umbrella provides regional businesses with a vast array of advanced tools. Customers across North Carolina, Georgia, and South Carolina can look forward to new product options, enhanced document management software, and seamless workflow automation designed to reduce overhead costs. These partnerships ensure local organizations have the reliable, secure, and highly efficient infrastructure they need to succeed long into the future.
“Our goal at UBEO is to empower local businesses with the best technology solutions, while preserving the high level of service and trust they’ve come to expect from their local teams,” said Jim Morrissey, president of UBEO Business Services. “Welcoming CEI and ABR to the UBEO family allows us to extend our reach but, more importantly, it allows us to support even more organizations as they grow and adapt in a rapidly changing business landscape.”
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About UBEO
UBEO is a national leader in office copiers and printers, comprehensive document management, managed print services, and other IT solutions. Focused on customer success and security, UBEO partners with organizations to deliver tailored technology strategies that drive efficiency, reduce costs, and support long-term growth.
About CEI
Founded in 1962, CEI provides organizations in the Raleigh-Durham area with state-of-the-art office equipment, comprehensive managed IT services, and robust cybersecurity. As a dedicated local partner, CEI helps companies streamline their daily workflows, secure their infrastructure, and optimize their business operations.
About ABR Digital Office Solutions
Founded in 1985, ABR Digital Office Solutions provides businesses in Southeast Georgia and South Carolina with advanced office technology, mailing equipment, and managed print services. As a dedicated local partner, ABR helps companies of all sizes streamline their daily workflows and optimize their business operations.
About Pacific Office Automation
Founded in 1976, Pacific Office Automation (POA) is a privately held office technology company headquartered in Beaverton, Oregon. With more than 1,500 employees nationwide, POA has grown to become the largest authorized dealer of high-quality printer manufacturers. The company is committed to delivering custom office solutions, state-of-the-art technology, and award-winning customer service to businesses and communities across the United States. POA provides managed print services, enterprise-level IT services, software, office equipment, and unified communications nationwide.
