Melbourne-based managed service provider Nova iT Group has acquired CMI Australia as it seeks to become the largest MSP in Melbourne's northern suburbs.

The acquisition, for an undisclosed sum, sees Nova iT enter new markets, including manufacturing and education.

Nova iT says while the deal is its first acquisition for 2017, it won't be the last, with another deal already in the works.

The CMI Australia deal brings the addition of 20 new customers – including some ‘well-known brands and very old business' –  and 900 endpoints for Nova iT which offers a range of managed IT and cloud solutions, backup, Office 365 and anti-virus offerings for small and mid-sized businesses.

David Vidos, Nova iT managing director, says the acquisition expands the company's presence and helps it reach its goal of becoming the largest MSP in Melbourne's northern suburbs.

“We also look forward to introducing these customers to our large range of business improvement solutions,” Vidos says.

“We've long known the owner of CMI Australia, Philip King, and being entrusted to the future of his customers and lifelong friends is a real honour,” Vidos adds.

King will not continue under the new ownership, instead stepping back and taking on ‘new and exciting challenges'.

“It is our aim to becom the IT partner of choice for local businesses, Vidos says. “I also want to offer IT professionals a place to do what they love without having to travel hours just to get to work.