If you thought consolidation was finished in the AV integration world, think again. PSA Security Network has acquired USAV Group and CI Edge, its residential-focused buying group focused on middle-market integrators, a move that affects more than 60 integration firms.
It’s a blockbuster transaction in an industry that has seen its fair share of major deals since the beginning of 2016, when CI’s 2016 Integrator of the Year acquired Technical Innovation. The acquisition trend has also dominated the manufacturing space but this is the first major deal among industry associations in that time.
USAV has 57 integrators throughout the U.S. and Canada, as well as partnerships with 19 pro AV suppliers and six service providers. CI Edge was founded by USAV’s executive team in 2015 as the only buying group for small and mid-sized commercial integrators.[related]
“We are delighted to welcome USAV and CI Edge into PSA Security Network,” says Bill Bozeman, president and CEO of PSA Security Network. “Their vendor relationships and integrator business models are right in step with what we were looking for in a partner in the AV space. With the low-voltage integrator industry continuing to expand and consolidate at a rapid rate, we strongly believe that these two companies will be a perfect addition to the PSA family.”
USAV and CI Edge will continue to operate under their respective brands and the existing management team at USAV will continue to run the day-to-day operations of the AV business.
USAV CEO K.C. Schwarz and founder and CFO Chris Whitley will join PSA’s management team.
“USAV and CI Edge were founded on the premise of providing programs that help integrators improve their overall effectiveness. Now members will benefit from PSA’s broadened platforms in new and exciting ways,” says Schwarz.
USAV will operate out of the PSA’s main corporate office in Westminster, Colo.
“Since the beginning, USAV has focused on long-term partnerships with integrators, manufacturers and distributors,” says Whitley. “This new chapter with PSA will continue such focus and expand our collaboration efforts with their infrastructure and dedication to education and training.”
