Micro Com Systems Ownership Transitions to Consentia After 46 Years

After 46 years with the same company, Craig Hollingum is preparing to hand over ownership of Micro Com Systems, the Vancouver document scanning bureau he helped build and eventually came to own entirely. The transition marks the end of an era for the local business that has served Vancouver companies since 1975, with Hollingum's personal journey beginning in 1979 when he answered a newspaper ad for a sales representative position at a micrographic service bureau.

Hollingum joined Micro Com Systems in 1981 and steadily progressed through the organization, becoming one of three owners in 1992 before eventually becoming the sole owner in 2010. When considering retirement after his long tenure, Hollingum faced the challenge common to many business owners: finding the right successor. Research from Statistics Canada showing the average retirement age of 65.3 years old prompted serious consideration of his options, though simply walking away wasn't feasible given the business's ongoing operations and employee livelihoods.

The owner evaluated four potential paths forward: offering the business to family successors, winding down operations gradually, finding an external buyer, or what he humorously described as "dying of a massive coronary at his desk." With family members declining to take over and the gradual wind-down option threatening employee jobs, Hollingum began exploring potential buyers in early 2023. Initial conversations with companies in similar niches didn't immediately yield results, but one party re-engaged earlier this year with serious interest in expanding into the British Columbia market.

After ongoing negotiations, both parties reached a mutually beneficial agreement that will see Edmonton-based Consentia Inc. become the new proprietor of Micro Com Systems effective December 1, 2025. Consentia operates a similar document scanning service bureau in Edmonton and brings a proven track record of customer satisfaction in imaging services. The acquisition maintains Canadian ownership of the Vancouver business, with both companies being locally owned and operated.

Hollingum expressed confidence in the transition, stating he feels comfortable handing over the business to Consentia before moving to the next stage of his life. The company's comprehensive service offerings, detailed on their website at https://www.microcomsys.com/, include document imaging and management, archival and book scanning, medical imaging, optical character recognition, and various specialized scanning services. The successful transfer ensures business continuity for Micro Com Systems' clients and job security for its employees, representing a carefully planned succession that benefits all stakeholders involved.