GRAND RAPIDS – The Iserv Co., one of the largest independent internet service providers in the Midwest, has been acquired by Boston-based 382 Communications. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
382 Communications offers voice, data, and network services to communications service providers and enterprise clients in the U.S. and internationally. The company said the acquisition of Iserv was a natural fit with their overall corporate strategy of developing emerging broadband markets across the country.
?Michigan is an important, technically sophisticated market, and we are looking forward to expanding the range of products and services available to Iserv customers,? said Dan Koch, 382 Communications CEO.
The Iserv name will remain in place and the company will be leveraging 382 Communication?s expansive network and buying power to roll out new services at aggressive price points, including wireless and business class voice. The company also plans to significantly increase sales, technical, and support staff in the months ahead.
The state-of-the-art Iserv data center and headquarters on 33rd Street in Grand Rapids will also serve as an important expansion hub and national customer support and billing center for 382 Communications going forward, Koch said in a press release.
Victor Shepherd, longtime CEO of Iserv, will assist the company in an advisory capacity. Other members of the company?s leadership team will remain in place, with continued oversight over Iserv?s network, back-office systems, and customer service.
?Iserv has a 17-year operating history, a loyal customer base, and an established reputation for cutting edge technology backed by exceptional service,? Shepherd said in a press release. The arrival of 382 Communications represents great news for Iserv, its customers, and our region as whole. This national company will bring not just new services, but also an accelerated pace of innovation and growth over the long term. Their selection of Iserv is a great compliment to everyone on the Iserv team, and to our community.
?The internet service provider industry is transforming,? Shepherd said. ?While both companies are strong and growing, the combination will allow Iserv to be more of a hybrid business that is more tech savvy, agile, and collaborative than most traditional internet service providers, with the customer realizing the benefits.?
