M S Benbow and Associates Professional Engineering Corporation (MSB) has acquired the assets of Interstate Electronics Systems (IES), the Greater New Orleans audiovisual design and integration firm. From conference rooms to command centers, IES leverages its unique strengths to maximize the utility and reliability of delivering advanced AV technology infrastructure.
“We are excited to join forces with M S Benbow and Associates. This acquisition marks a new chapter for IES, where our expertise in audiovisual design and integration will be elevated by the combined strength of MSB’s TruConnect division” says Michael Rideau, CTS, managing partner of IES. He continues, “Our clients will benefit from a broader range of integrated services and our combined experience. The alignment of our company cultures, with a shared emphasis on teamwork, integrity and excellence, makes this partnership a perfect fit.”
As part of MSB, IES will be incorporated with TruConnect, MSB’s security and communications system integration division. The combination of these companies will expand TruConnect’s footprint by adding audiovisual technology to the company’s technology integration services portfolio.
“I am thrilled & humbled to have such a great group of AV professionals join the TruConnect team” says Mike Ward, operations manager of TruConnect. He continues, “I have had the pleasure to work with IES for many years on various projects and it always felt to be a good fit. Now to be able to work with this team under the same marquee makes me extremely optimistic for the future to come. I have no doubt we will do remarkable things together.”
TruConnect and IES will provide a competitive advantage in the markets they serve and strengthen the high standard of service and customer care both companies are known for.
Their combined experience and integrated approach to enhancing, protecting and managing clients’ technology infrastructure, along with the backing of MSB’s 45+ year history of diverse engineering services, will create a regional powerhouse with immense depth and strength to serve their wide-ranging client base.
“This acquisition is part of MSB’s commitment to continue to invest deeply in world-class connectivity solutions, with services provided by a highly experienced team” says Ken Wright, P.E., President of MSB. Wright continues, “With the growing trend in the industry of moving toward network-based AV solutions, we want to be at the forefront of providing the technology that’s revolutionizing the way entertainment and sports venues, conference centers, universities, 911 centers and others utilize audiovisual technology.”
The acquisition is expected to close in the third quarter of 2024 and is subject to customary closing conditions. Wegmann Dazet is acting as the financial advisor to MSB and Jones Walker is serving as legal advisor. Miller Sullivan Demarcay, LLC is serving as legal advisor to IES.
