**Editor’s Note: Please click here for a look back at the biggest channel-impacting mergers and acquisitions from 2017.**

Chicago-based IT consulting firm Netrix is acquiring Houston-based Synergy CT, a provider of audio visual (A/V) communication systems.

Netrix’s John McKitrick

Netrix said its presence in the south central United States is “tied to strong Microsoft, relocation and integrated collaboration services practice areas.” The acquisition enhances Netrix’s existing presence in Houston and adds a presence in the New Orleans area. These locations, combined with its already established presence in Dallas, expand Netrix’s overall reach, developing a strong regional hub, it said.

As part of the growth, Netrix plans to build an executive briefing center in Houston.

“We have been making great strides in the Houston and Dallas area regarding our collaboration practice, but to have the local Synergy team is incredible,” said John McKitrick, a Netrix partner and integrated collaboration services practice director. “To be able to mirror our briefing center that we have in downtown Chicago is going to bring so much value to our clients. It will be a place that can truly help our clients envision a better way to collaborate.”

Netrix said folding Synergy CT into its teams adds expertise and resources to support its integrated collaboration services and relocation practices.

“We are excited about the ability to join an organization not only strong in the A/V and collaboration space, but as an all-encompassing business IT firm as a whole,” said Todd Spell, Synergy CT’s founder and CEO. “The Netrix team has established presence in Dallas and Houston; we are looking forward to supporting that momentum and help take it to the next level.”