Diversified has been on a steady climb to the top of the AV integration world since it shocked many in the industry by acquiring Technical Innovation in February 2016. Since that time, the company has added more key pieces to its glowing global empire, the latest in Australia.
CI’s 2016 Integrator of the Year announced its acquisition of Rutledge AV this week, adding to Diversified worldwide presence by incorporating one of Australia’s most well-regarded AV firms. [related]
“Rutledge AV’s robust client-base and track record of exemplary service enables Diversified to provide local support to clients and the confidence to deliver the standards they’re known for in the Americas, EMEA and APAC,” according to the joint announcement.
The acquisition comes less than a year after Diversified announced the acquisition of Digitavia, which helped the company establish a global network operations center. Diversified also has a Seoul, South Korea, hub.
“[An international presence] is what the customers are really saying needs to be there,” says Diversified founder and CEO Fred D’Alessandro said during InfoComm 2018, when the companies announced the deal.
“I’m very excited for this endeavor, expanding our capabilities into the Australian market and being a true global technology partner for our clients,” said D’Alessandro in the joint announcement about the Rutledge AV acquisition.
“The Rutledge team and everything they’ve built is a testament to their strengths as an organization and the synergy of our cultures, always a key deciding factor, promises continued growth and opportunity,” he said.
Why Diversified Wanted Rutledge AV
Founded in 1979 by Michael and Sandy Rutledge, Rutledge AV has grown into Australia’s largest AV integration specialist, with offices across seven states and territories and more than 350 employees.
“I’m delighted to have found the perfect home for what has been my life’s work,” said Michael Rutledge in the joint announcement. “Sandy and I look forward to seeing the company continue to thrive as part of the Diversified family.”
Diversified president Kevin Collins called the Rutledge AV acquisition “a huge milestone that I am proud to be part of” in the joint announcement.
“Much of our strategic international growth has led us to this point, where we now have established entities in almost all continents across the globe,” he said. “Most importantly, we’ve gotten here through partnering with highly skilled organizations that share our values and passion for next generation technology solutions.”
Rutledge AV CEO Andrew Morrice, who will lead the expansion, says the move to join the Diversified family represents “a logical choice with numerous similarities between our businesses and Diversified’s innovative approach to the technology services industry.
“We can’t wait to start working together as one team,” he said in the joint announcement.
Rutledge AV will operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of Diversified, while introducing Diversified’s portfolio of offerings to its clients.
