Technology Firm Trivalent Group expands into Southern Michigan

Since its beginning in 1991, Trivalent has managed to successfully expand to become one of Michigan's largest technology firms. A series of acquisitions led the company to become Trivalent Group in 2003. Now, with the acquisition of Battle Creek's Innovative Software Strategies, Trivalent enters the Southwest Michigan market as well.

"We were looking at expanding our geographic footprint and our services portfolio," CEO Larry Andrus says.  "We had a couple companies approach us, one from Ohio and one form Illinois, but we felt better about doing a Michigan-based footprint. We looked at 20 different firms, starting in November, and it was obvious as we looked that (Innovative Software) was the best fit."

Citing a recurring revenue portfolio and an array of services that allowed the two companies to compliment each other as reasons for the selection, Andrus also noted a connection with Innovative owner Amy Lenz.

"We felt very comfortable with (Lenz), who wanted to stay involved," Andrus says.

Andrus describes Trivalent as a "computer solutions service provider." Focusing only on businesses as clients, Trivalent helps these organizations manage their data, first by offering connection as an Internet service provider, then by working to back up, store, protect and provide access to that data.

"We provide access to peoples' data -- anytime, anywhere, with any device," Andrus says.

Andrus is proud of the fact that throughout all of Trivalent's acquisitions, every founder or CEO that was interested in maintaining ties with their business was brought into the Trivalent family.

"We've looked at staying true to our Michigan roots," Andrus says. "Growing here, and staying here."

Trivalent Group's other acquisitions have included companies based in Kentwood, Mt. Pleasant, Allegan, Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo. Trivalent's headquarters is located in Grandville, with offices in Mt. Pleasant, Kalamazoo and now Battle Creek. They employ 65 people and service over 1000 businesses statewide.

Source: Larry Andrus, CEO, Trivalent Group
Writer: J. Bennett Rylah, Managing Editor

Photo of Larry Andrus Courtesy of Dan Johnson Photography