CIM Audio Visual / CCS Presentation Systems

Cherry Tree Advises CIM Audio Visual / CCS Presentation Systems on its Sale to AVI Systems

“The Cherry Tree team led a disciplined and competitive process that resulted in a great outcome for our Company, employees and customers. Cherry Tree was very involved in each step of the process providing the advice and counsel we needed as well as project managing the sale through closing.”

—Dale Gayman, CEO / Owner of CIM Audio Visual

INDUSTRIES:
Education, Technology

DESCRIPTION:
Full-Service Audiovisual Systems Provider Serving the Education and Corporate Markets in Indiana and Kentucky

LOCATION:
Columbus, IN

TRANSACTION TYPE:
Sale to Strategic Buyer

Transaction Overview

In May 2022, AVI Systems announced it acquired CIM Audio Visual / CCS Presentation Systems – Indiana, a full-service audiovisual systems provider serving the education and corporate markets based in Columbus, Indiana. All CIM employees (35) were invited to transition to AVI, joining the company and its 750-plus employee-owners. Dale Gayman, CIM CEO and David Theile, CIM CFO are continuing in leadership roles. With this acquisition, AVI will have nearly 800 employees working from locations in 25 cities in the United States.

“This acquisition immediately expands AVI’s capabilities in the education marketplace,” said Jeff Stoebner, CEO of AVI Systems. “CIM was part of CCS Presentation Systems, the sixth-largest AV systems integrator in the U.S., and has served the K-12 and higher ed markets for decades creating a solid footing on the growing technology needs of educators. When combined, AVI’s global reach and strength in service, coupled with the expertise CIM has developed, will be a winning combination.”

“Joining AVI Systems presents many opportunities for both companies,” said Dale Gayman. “The AV industry is rapidly changing how educators reach students and we have a solid foundation in this space. Meanwhile, AVI has the infrastructure and ability to serve organizations throughout the United States. As a single entity, we’ll help make AVI a powerhouse in the education market.”

Cherry Tree’s Role:

Cherry Tree was engaged to assist CIM Audio Visual and its shareholders in identifying the best partner to help the Company achieve its next phase of growth through a sale of the business. Cherry Tree’s role included preparing evaluation materials, introductions and discussions with numerous potential partners, soliciting proposals, negotiating terms of the purchase agreement, supporting due diligence, and facilitating the closing of a transaction. It was especially important to the shareholders and management team that the process was well planned and efficiently executed, to not disrupt the core business operations, and to complete the transaction in a timely manner.

About CIM Audio Visual:

CIM Audio Visual designs custom AV solutions to meet the needs of companies, school districts, and classrooms. Since 1983, the company has grown to specialize in interactive technology, cloud-based conferencing, and high-quality audio-visual products to improve efficiency, increase collaboration, and enhance presentations. For more information, visit www.ccsavpro.com.

About AVI Systems:

Organizations that value the power of visual communications trust AVI Systems to enable people and teams to communicate their critical ideas. As the largest global audio-visual service provider, AVI solutions are used to accelerate decision making, improve human interactions and create immersive digital experiences. For more information about AVI Systems, visit www.avisystems.com.