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Sector Experience

M&A advisors to the top managed service providers

FOCUS’s Managed Service Provider (MSP) team is one of the most experienced and active advisory groups in North America, having completed transactions with 85 parties over the past five years—including launching 13 MSPs as new platforms for private equity sponsors. We bring deep expertise in sell-side advisory for MSPs with EBITDA between $2.5 million and $30 million, where the stakes are high and the nuances of recurring revenue, customer churn, and tech stack integration can make or break a deal.

In today’s competitive landscape, strategic buyers and private equity firms are aggressively targeting MSPs with scalable infrastructure, cybersecurity capabilities, and industry-specific verticals. Our deep understanding of these value drivers, combined with tailored deal structuring and hands-on senior banker involvement, ensures our clients increase value and reduce post-transaction risk. The right advisor isn’t just a facilitator—it’s a strategic asset that can elevate your outcome and set the stage for long-term growth post-acquisition.

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Market Trends

What’s driving MSP M&A activity

Recurring Revenue

Predictable managed services contracts and long-term customer relationships make MSPs attractive acquisition targets.

Cybersecurity Demand

Growing security threats are increasing demand for MSPs with managed security, compliance, and risk management capabilities.

Cloud & AI Services

Businesses are expanding cloud and AI investments, driving demand for MSPs with modern infrastructure and automation expertise.

Scale & Technical Talent

Acquirers value MSPs with skilled technical teams, efficient operations, and the scale to support larger, more complex clients.

Service Areas

Our team executes on a tailored strategy tailored to meet each client’s objectives.

Sell-Side

We advise MSPs with $2.5 M–$30.0 M in EBITDA on new “Platform” and liquidity auction processes, and we support MSPs with $500K–$30.0 M in EBITDA through “Add-on” sale auction processes. We also advise MSPs weighing unsolicited offers, introducing alternative options when requested.

Buy-Side

We help large PE sponsors identify liquidity opportunities with first-generation Platforms and advise PE groups on new Platform investments. We also help Platforms source off-market targets with $1.0 M–$15.0 M in EBITDA.

Capital Advisory

By combining deep market insight with access to a broad network of lenders and investors, we connect middle market companies with the right capital on the right terms.

Transaction alerts

Stay informed on FOCUS news and closed transactions

Hear from our clients

Managed Service Providers, Technology Services

“I hired FOCUS’ MSP Team on May 28, 2020. In the first 24 hours after signing the engagement letter, Abraham presented me with three (3) preemptive offers & introduced me via Teams to four (4) of the top MSP investors in the country. Forty days later I signed an LOI with Rosewood Private Investments (RPI) and we closed the transaction on October 28. We plan to work with FOCUS in 2021 to find bolt-on opportunities for the Platform. I recommend FOCUS’ MSP Team and will serve as a reference.”

Mo Vij

Mo Vij

CEO of General Informatics Rosewood Investments Firm

Technology Services, Managed Service Providers

FOCUS’ MSP team has been extremely helpful in assisting us to our M&A growth goals. Abraham has really made an investment to understand our industry and assist either from the buy or sell side with all aspects of a transaction. I highly recommend working with FOCUS.”

Kevin Blake

Kevin Blake

Founder/President, ICS, a portfolio company of ClearLight Partners, LLC

Managed Service Providers, Technology Services

I received three (3) unsolicited letters of intent to acquire my company in Q3 of 2020, and after 32 years in the business was at a crossroads on whether it was the right time to sell. During this period I developed a relationship with Abraham and the team at FOCUS. When their buy side client stepped away, FOCUS’ MSP Team immediately shared eight (8) bolt-on and nine (9) merger-of-equal ideas with me. They then asked for an opportunity to introduce me to their top pick, which they believed was a perfect cultural and financial fit, and I agreed. Within seven days of meeting FOCUS’ top pick, I hired FOCUS to represent me, and signed a letter of intent with the acquirer. With guidance and counsel from FOCUS we closed the transaction in just over three (3) months. FOCUS’ MSP Team was sensitive to my history with the company and did a great deal to educate me on the acquisition process. I am very impressed with their knowledge, transparency and connections in the MSP marketplace. I recommend FOCUS’ MSP Team, and will serve as a reference.

Steven Cariglio

Steven Cariglio

CEO of Akuity Tech, ClearLight Partners

Managed Service Providers, Technology Services

I could not have chosen a better partner than Abraham and his team at FOCUS Investment Banking. In all my years in business I have never experienced this uniquely powerful combination of customer centric focus, deep industry and financial knowledge, availability, integrity, likeability, and selflessness. With them negotiating the deal I was able to get a price almost (redacted)% higher than I thought likely, and with a buyer who is a great cultural fit.

Jim Kennedy

Jim Kennedy

CEO of Network Support Co., Riverside Portfolio

Technology Services, Managed Service Providers

“Partnering with April Taylor and the MSP team was like having a formidable offensive line protecting me. April was an All-Star quarterback leading the rookie quarterback (me). FOCUS’ expert blocking and relentless pursuit of the best buyers paved the way for a touchdown sale, honoring the countless hours of hard work and dedication my partners, our people and I poured into Security7.”

Jay Smith

Jay Smith

President of Sales, Security7

Managed Service Providers, Technology Services

“I had never been through the process and the team at FOCUS was a fantastic resource as they guided us through the details of getting a deal done. Whether it was explaining something, helping negotiate, or helping our team navigate details, the FOCUS team stood ready to help and respond with anything we needed. There’s no question our deal was more efficient and I was more informed because of the FOCUS team.”

Tony Schafer

Tony Schafer

Founder and President, Accelerate, Inc.

Technology Services, Managed Service Providers

I hired FOCUS’ MSP Team on March 15, 2021. 17 days later I signed a letter of intent (LOI) with LNC Partners, who I found to be a fantastic cultural, strategic, geographic, and financial fit for our team after evaluating multiple investor groups. We closed the transaction 3 months later and I am already actively working with FOCUS to find the right companies to join our growing Platform. I cannot speak highly enough about FOCUS’ MSP Team. I will happily serve as a reference any time.

Willis Cantey

Willis Cantey

Founder/CEO Cantey Tech Consulting

Frequently asked questions

Recurring revenue, retention, and service mix are the primary factors.

Predictable revenue and long-term contracts provide stability and growth potential.

Private equity-backed platforms and strategic IT service providers.

Yes. Lower concentration reduces risk and increases valuation.

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About FOCUS

Your strategic advisor from growth to exit

FOCUS delivers tailored M&A, capital raising and sale preparation advisory services to founder-led businesses and SMEs. With deep industry expertise and global reach, we help clients navigate complexity and achieve successful outcomes.