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A local supplier of wholesale cell phone accessories has been purchased by a Virginia-based company in the same industry.
Grand Rapids-based Mobile Defender last month merged with MobileCentrics, a move that combines the knowledge and expertise of two leading mobile replacement parts suppliers, Mobile Defender said.
Jordan Notebanbaum, co-founder and CEO of Mobile Defenders, said the company was considering an exit strategy and decided to pitch the idea to MobileCentrics.
“We’ve been in the phone repair business since 2011 and we’ve been talking about a change,” Notenbaum said. “I thought the best solution or buyer would be our biggest competitor, which is MobileCentrics.”
Notenbaum flew to Virginia earlier this year, and the two companies did a transaction. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Now, the combined purchasing power of both companies will be used to lower costs, improve quality and contribute to a better customer experience. Mobile Defenders’ manufacturer connections and offerings will be key additions to MobileCentrics.
“It’s a win for our customers,” Notenbaum said.
At this point, both company’s websites will continue to operate concurrently, but Nottenbaum expects some consolidation to take place eventually.
In addition, MobileCentrics Group will retain all of Mobile Defender’s employees and has taken over the lease with eduPARTS for the company’s new shared facility.
EduPARTS is now separated from parent company Mobile Defenders as part of the transaction, but will remain in the new facility, Nottenbaum reports.
Mobile Defenders has recognized the commitment of employees and the growth mindset of co-founders Gary Vonmire and Steve Barnes as part of this transition, along with Merrimining Inc. and Assurant Inc. for support and investments.
