NEW YORK, Sept. 9, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- MetTel, a leading communications solutions provider, today announced that it has reached a definitive agreement to acquire managed IT services leader, Thrive Networks, a Staples Company. For 14 years, Thrive has provided complete IT solutions for a wide range of businesses nationwide and will broaden and strengthen MetTel's managed service offering. This offering will now include network management and monitoring, virtualization solutions, data protection and a cloud service that includes email, file sharing and data back-up. 

Thrive Networks is one of the top-rated outsourced IT providers in the country, ranking #44 in the recent MSPmentor 501 ranking for 2014. The 71 person team, including over 50 engineers, will continue to operate out of their network operation center in Tewksbury, MA, and the management team of Thrive, including Chief Technology Officer, Dylan O'Connor, will continue to be responsible for managing the business and delivering service excellence to their longstanding, nationwide customer base.

"We are excited to bring Thrive's deep bench of engineering talent to MetTel's customer base.  With this partnership, we will be able to offer Thrive's wide range of managed service capabilities to our customers to provide end-to-end networking and managed service solutions," said Marshall Aronow, Chief Executive Officer, MetTel. "With a national presence and strong focus on customer support and retention, the company's mission and values mirror our own which made this combination so attractive. MetTel prides itself on providing innovative services and products to the communications industry. With the addition of Thrive Networks, we know we will be able to continue to provide the best service from coast-to-coast."  

"As a leading outsourced IT provider, we are thrilled at the opportunity to expand our capabilities with a leading communications organization," said Dylan O'Connor, CTO, Thrive.  "We admire the capabilities of MetTel, and are excited to join a team that excels in customer service and superior communications solutions for a wide range of customers.  We believe that the combination of our two firm's expertise and service first attitude will lead to exceptional service offerings for all of our respective customers."

Thrive's capabilities and network operations will be enhanced by having access to additional network hubs in California, Illinois, Texas and New York. "MetTel will continue to look at strategic opportunities, whether it be through acquisition, partnership or joint venture, to enhance its enterprise communications portfolio and bring added value to our customers," stated Steve Tunney, EVP Planning and Strategy, MetTel.  "The managed services offering and talented team at Thrive Networks are a great addition to MetTel that will drive incremental growth."

About MetTel
MetTel is a leading communications solution provider that bundles the widest selection of technologies into innovative and customized solutions for enterprise customers.  By converging all communications over a proprietary network, MetTel enables enterprise companies to quickly and easily deploy technology-driven voice, data, wireless and cloud solutions nationwide.  Deployed with the highest quality customer care and project management, our portfolio of customer-centric communication solutions boosts enterprise productivity, reduces costs and simplifies operations.  Combining customized communication solutions with a powerful platform of cloud-based software, the company's MetTel Portal® enables customers to manage their inventory, usage, spend and repairs from one simple, user friendly interface. MetTel was founded in 1996 and is headquartered in New York City.  For more information visit www.mettel.net.   MetTel. Smart Communications Solutions.™

About Thrive Networks
Headquartered in Tewksbury, MA, Thrive Networks provides complete IT solutions for a wide range of businesses. Our comprehensive suite of managed, cloud, and professional services combine best-of-breed technologies with an experienced team of engineers.  As a result, our customers experience enterprise-class IT service which enables the maximum return on their IT investments. With a diverse service offering and customers across the United States, Thrive Networks is recognized as one of the most progressive IT service providers in the world. Thrive Networks is a certified Microsoft Gold, Dell Premier  and VMWare Enterprise partner.

SOURCE MetTel