Micro Com Systems Ownership Transitions to Consentia After 46 Years Under Founder

After 46 years with the company, Craig Hollingum has arranged for the successful transition of Micro Com Systems to new ownership, with Edmonton-based Consentia Inc. taking over effective December 1, 2025. The ownership change represents the culmination of a carefully considered succession plan that ensures the Vancouver document scanning bureau will continue operating without disruption to services or staff employment.

Hollingum joined the micrographic service industry in 1979 and migrated to Micro Com Systems in 1981, eventually becoming one of three owners in 1992 before becoming sole owner in 2010. When considering retirement after his long tenure, research revealed the average retirement age in Canada is 65.3 years according to Statistics Canada data, but as a business owner, simply walking away wasn't feasible. Hollingum evaluated four potential exit strategies: offering the business to successors, winding down operations gradually, finding a buyer, or what he humorously described as "dying of a massive coronary at his desk."

The succession option proved unworkable as potential family successors declined, while winding down the business wasn't viable since all employees hoped to remain employed. This left finding a buyer as the most practical solution. Initial conversations with potential acquirers in similar business niches began in early 2023, with one party re-engaging earlier this year expressing serious interest in expanding into the British Columbia market. After ongoing negotiations, both parties reached a mutually beneficial agreement that will see Consentia Inc., an Edmonton-based service bureau with a proven track record in imaging services, assume ownership.

The transition ensures business continuity for Micro Com Systems' clients while maintaining the company's Canadian ownership structure. Hollingum expressed confidence in handing over operations to Consentia, noting the company shares similar values and service standards. Since 1975, Micro Com Systems has provided document management solutions including document imaging, archival scanning, medical imaging, OCR services, and enterprise report management. Additional information about the company's services remains available at https://www.microcomsys.com/ where Hollingum also shared reflections on his career journey.