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Two top state tech firms join forces in Yalesville
By Richard Lee, Record-Journal, Meriden, Conn., Wednesday, August 16, 2000
Wallingford [Connecticut]- Two area business that are ranked among the state's top technology firms have joined forces and are making their home on Main Street in Yalesville.
Forza Computer Consulting of Wallingford and Bassett Computer Systems, formerly of North Haven, merged this month, with Bassett moving its operations to the Forza facility.
Both companies, which focus on computer systems installation and maintenance, have been named to Connecticut Technology Council's Fast 50 list, an annual designation of high-tech firms that show superior technical skill and persistence if the face of competition, as well as high revenue growth.
The merger will result in better service to customers and improved opportunities to expand client base in a larger geographic area, said Richard Bassett, president of the new company, Forza- Bassett Computer Consulting..
We want to dominate the state-to be the biggest reseller/solutions provider in the state. We want to be a force within New England," said Bassett, who has been in business since 1984. "There’s plenty of business in Connecticut. It’s fiercely competitive. But if you’re good, you don’t have any trouble getting business.
The merger with Forza Computer Consulting, headed by Joseph Pannone, creates a company with more than 20 employees serving more than 400 clients at businesses in Southern New England.
"About a year ago, I decided we needed to provide more Internet service to our clients. We couldn’t hire the people we needed," said Bassett. "So we decided to partner up with Forza. They have a good reputation. We looked at a dozen companies."
By being on the Fast 50 list, both companies have proven that they have been successful in developing clients in the fiercely competitive computer-service market, said Michael Scricca, a spokesman for the Connecticut Technology Council..
"I think it’s a smart business move on the part of both companies. It makes the new company stronger and more competitive," Scricca said..
Bassett said a key to negotiations, which went on for nine months, was the effect on employees. "Both sides were very concerned about what would happen to our employees. We wanted to make sure we kept them, because they’re all very good. Salaries and benefits were hammered out. They picked up more than they lost."
The timing of the merger coincided with the departure of Innovative Internet Marketing Solutions from the building where Forza occupied about 2,400 square feet. As a result, the new firm will have about double the space..
Innovative Internet Marketing moved to a building at 900 Northrop Road, where it started operations this month..
The merger provides an opportunity for Bassett and Pannone to combine their strengths, said Pannone, the firm’s chief executive officer. "Rick Bassett has a strong background in sales and marketing, and I have a background in software work. We knew we’d be stronger together. The customer has more depth now. If there’s an emergency, we can get there a lot quicker."
Combining the two companies creates a professional technology firm focusing on network engineering, software development and e-commerce solutions.
Eric Brodwin is vice president of the company, overseeing finance, operations and development.
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