I remember last year, around the same time, there were a whole lotta mergers and acquisitions going down the first week of November—namely when Dave Sobel sold his MSP practice, Evolve Technologies to Network Depot. This year apparently is no different with major announcements being made during the first week of business in 2013: Arlin Sorensen’s Heartland Technology Solutions (HTS) announced this morning that its IT practice has been sold to WesTel Systems, an Iowa-based telecom and computer services company supporting communities in Iowa and Nebraska.
According to a press release issued this morning by HTS, HTS Precision Ag Solutions, formerly a division of HTS, was not included in the sale and now operates as a self-governing organization under the name HTS Ag. Sorensen will remain involved with HTS during the transitional period as a business advisor. Details regarding the transaction were not disclosed.
“When Jane and I merged our companies to form HTS in January of 2003, we had a 10 year plan in mind, and the timing of this offer perfectly aligned to that vision,” Sorensen said in a media statement. “This transition will give me more time to focus on a new consulting practice to help other MSP’s and IT vendors (Heartland Leadership Group) and will give Jane freedom to pursue other interests. WesTel Systems shares our Midwestern values, so they’re an ideal buyer; one who will provide our employees and customers with the same care and attention we’ve given them for over 25 years. This also creates enormous opportunity for HTS to expand into new geographic and technology markets, which is important for the business long-term.”
All seven of HTS’s locations will conduct business as usual under the HTS banner as a division of its new parent company, West Iowa Technology, LLC. HTS President Connie Arentson and Vice President of Sales Larry Hedin will carry on their leadership roles within the new organization, overseeing the company’s day-to-day operations within their respective areas of responsibility. Robert Gannon, Westel Systems' current CEO will now serve as HTS CEO.
In addition to Sorensen, five other team members will stay on with HTS as contractors serving in an advisory capacity during the transition. Jane Cage will help manage HTS operations and financial reporting; Brad Schow will continue to oversee the company’s service model changes and progress; Sue Sorensen will support vendor and customer accounting services; Robyn Porter will continue in her role leading HR; and Randy Greer will work to smoothly transition HTS’s internal IT.
With the exception of Jane Cage, these personnel remain employees of former HTS parent company, Sorensen’s Computer Connection, Inc., and will take on new responsibilities within the other Heartland companies once the transition is completed.
Stay tuned for more information here at this blog, as this story develops.
