Midwich acquires majority stake in DVS parent company Cooper Projects

Based in Cardiff, DVS was founded back in 2003 as a specialist distributor of CCTV and associated video recording technologies. The business has since cultivated a strong reputation in the market, working primarily with global surveillance brand Hikvision.

In recent years, DVS has begun to diversify its portfolio to include complementary technologies, among them access control, intercom and intruder detection solutions.

As a business, DVS provides solutions for trade customers throughout the UK across key verticals including the corporate, retail and residential markets (among many others). An extensive range of value-add services are provided to customers by DVS such as project design, ongoing technical support, training and the proprietary installer programme, which is designed to connect end users with DVS customers in their geographic and technology area.

Knowledge and support

Commenting on the deal, Stephen Fenby (Midwich Group plc’s managing director) stated: “The acquisition of DVS gives Midwich access to a significant segment of the security market in which we currently have little presence, and which is expected to grow at around 8% per annum for the next five years. The knowledge and support of the experienced DVS team should help realise new opportunities for our customers in what is an increasingly converging technology market. Similarly, we believe that much of DVS’ extensive customer base uses – or could use – our core AV products in their projects.”

Tim Goodson, managing director of DVS, responded: “At DVS, we have always had ambitious growth plans. Combining with Midwich affords us a unique offer for both customer bases. The Midwich team quickly grasped the understanding of our available technologies and how they could be used by their own customers in an ever-converging space. We’re really excited to be part of the Midwich Group, which has a wealth of experience and knowledge that we can use to make sure our ambitious plans are met as we look to grow DVS.”

Gavin Dunleavy, commercial director at DVS, added: “I’m incredibly excited about DVS and Midwich joining forces as market leaders and specialists in their respective fields. With the security and AV sectors growing ever closer, we can increase our offer to both customer bases, while also increasing the high levels of service our customers expect. The clear synergy of culture and values makes this arrangement the perfect fit as we move forward with the same focus for the future of DVS.”

Customers and vendor partners

Mark Lowe, managing director for Midwich in the UK and Ireland, noted: “I’m delighted to be welcoming Tim, Gavin and the DVS team to the Midwich Group. The security market is an exciting place. This acquisition presents abundant opportunities for our respective customers and vendor partners.”

Lowe concluded: “DVS’ focus on delivering the very best service mirrors our own ethos, as does the DVS people-first approach. 2022 will be an exciting year for both businesses.”

The existing DVS management team of Tim Goodson, Gavin Dunleavy and chief technology officer David Davies will maintain a stake in the business and work closely with Midwich to grow the company over the coming years.