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Involta to acquire Youngstown-based DRS
By Kalea Hall
youngstown
A local company has made a move to benefit not only itself, but the entire region.
Youngstown’s Data Recovery Systems LLC of Belmont Avenue, an information-technology consulting firm, was acquired by Iowa-based Involta, a leader in cloud, managed IT and data- center services.
The move means more growth for the Youngstown company and possibly more local and regional jobs.
“We have been a very locally focused company, and we want to continue that,” said Mike Meloy, chief executive officer of DRS.
DRS has been in business since 2000. Outside its Youngstown headquarters, the company has satellite operations in Columbus and Pittsburgh. DRS provides IT services and maintains a fiber network that spans the Pittsburgh-Cleveland corridor connecting businesses and communities.
DRS has 80 employees; 60 specialize in information technology.
DRS leaders wanted to expand its footprint and found joining forces with Involta allowed the company to do just that.
“We believe the combined entity is more valuable,” said Chris Shroyer, vice president of sales and marketing for Involta. “That is a big piece for us. We are in an industry that continues to grow.”
Involta was founded in 2007 and grew to operate in eight locations in Akron and in Iowa, Minnesota, Idaho and Arizona.
The acquisition will allow the company to expand its reach to Youngstown, Pittsburgh and the Columbus area.
“We have looked at multiple opportunities, but we believe we have found a company that aligns with our values,” Shroyer said. “[DRS] is a great company.”
Involta will acquire more than 5,500 fiber miles in Ohio and western Pennsylvania, two Youngstown-based data centers owned and operated by DRS, an operations management agreement for the WēConnect Community Data Center near Columbus, and data-center space in Pittsburgh currently leased by DRS.
The agreement means Ohio will be Involta’s anchor state in the east region. It also will mean about half of Involta’s employees are here and so are the company revenues.
“Our business focus will not change, as this opportunity allows for continued expansion,” Meloy said.
The logo and DRS name will change. But services to DRS and Involta clients will not be disrupted. Both companies work with health care clients. DRS also works with local governments and school systems.
The deal is expected to be finalized soon.