LI company in joint venture with Mohegan Tribe
Long Island-based Leslie Digital Imaging, a digital office technology provider, and the Mohegan Tribe of Connecticut, owners of the Mohegan Sun casino, have joined to create a startup called KÔTA. This is the Mohegan Tribe Community and Government Center in Uncasville, Conn. Credit: Mohegan Tribe of Connecticut
Long Island-based Leslie Digital Imaging LLC, a digital office technology provider, and the Mohegan Tribe of Connecticut, owners of the Mohegan Sun casino, are joining forces under a joint venture announced Monday.
The new company, KÔTA Solutions LDI / Mohegan LLC, will serve government and commercial markets by offering digital copy, scanning, color graphics and other document management services. The Mohegan word kôta translates to "close association."
"Just because we're a startup doesn't mean we are starting up with no experience," said Bruce Manly, newly hired president of KÔTA and a 30-year veteran of the office technology industry. "We think that we can give everyone a run for their money."
Leslie Digital Imaging will be a 45 percent shareholder in the new company and will bring its technological expertise to the venture. The Jericho-based company has more than 230 employees -- with about 75 on Long Island -- and services companies such as Snapple and Crystal & Company through its branch offices in New York, California and New Jersey. LDI expects its revenue to exceed $65 million this year.
"There are investments on both sides," said Brian Gertler, vice president of marketing for both LDI and KÔTA. "They are a very well respected and well run business in the New England territory, so it made good business sense for us."
The joint venture is being financed by the tribe, formally known as the Mohegan Tribe of Indians of Connecticut, and represents the fourth nongaming related business venture it has announced since May.
By giving the tribe a majority share in the new business, Gertler said LDI's investment achieves two benefits.
"We emerge in New England with a well-respected partner with increased investment as a minority-owned business," he said. "With respect to government work, we feel that we have certain advantages to acquiring business as a minority-owned business enterprise."
KÔTA will be based at the Mohegan Tribe community and government center in Uncasville, Connecticut, and currently has 10 employees, Manly said.
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