Midwich Group acquires Starin Marketing

The global AV distributor gets a foothold in the U.S. with the acquisition of the value-added distributor

Midwich, a specialist AV distributor with operations across the UK and Ireland, Continental Europe and Asia-Pacific, has acquired 100% of the share capital of Starin Marketing the US-based, specialist value-added distributor of AV products, for a reported $46.1 million.

Starin, headquartered in Chesterton, Indiana, was founded in 1988 and generated revenues of over $200m in the last financial year.  It is currently led by the senior management team of Bill Mullin (CEO), Bill Pak (COO) and Bobby Swartz (President), all of whom will remain with the business and continue to drive Starin’s growth strategy.

“We are delighted that the Starin team has chosen to join the Midwich Group and we are very excited at the prospect of working with them on Midwich’s first investment in the world’s largest AV market,” said Stephen Fenby, Midwich Group Managing Director. “The partnership will allow us to broaden our support to international customers, and further strengthen our relationship with current and new Group vendors. This acquisition also adds to the Group’s UC capabilities, providing additional expertise in a strategically important market.”

Starin’s strong position in the unified communications market, including work with leading brands such as Barco, Poly, and DTEN, as well as its value-add market approach were particularly attractive to Midwich, who has noted that that aspect of the business will continue to be a key focus as it looks to further strengthen the specialist support it can provide to its global customers and vendors.

“Midwich has a very similar culture and focus on AV Communications, while at the same time is keenly interested in having us go to the next level in our strategic initiatives and alliances,” said Bill Mullin, CEO of Starin. “It was the best fit from many options we considered for advancing.  Midwich’s existing global infrastructure gives us a platform for continued coverage and growth, in addition to providing resources for elevated structural, operational and financial capabilities. The potential shared chemistry between the Midwich companies is powerful.  Best of all, our partners will benefit in significant ways.”