This is turning into a familiar story: Cogent Growth Partners has once again played a pivotal role in finalizing a managed services provider (MSP) acquisition. This time, Cogent has advised NCC Data, a Dallas, Tex.-based IT services firm, to purchase the IT support company Data Direct. The acquisition was completed on August 1. The companies will integrate their resources and procedures throughout August and September before offering a single IT solution – something that NCC Data President and CEO Daren Boozer sees happening fairly easily.

“There is already a lot of momentum built between the two organizations,” he said in a prepared statement. NCC Data and Data Direct are both based in Dallas, meaning they have similar regional expertise. “In the weeks that follow, we anticipate the positive impact of our combined forces will become evident to all of our clients.”

The main goal of the acquisition, according to Cogent Managing Partner Rick Murphy, is for NCC Data to enhance the solution that Data Direct already provides its clients. “Enhancing the excellent service Data Direct has been providing to its clients will be the focus as its customers are integrated in the NCC Data family,” he said.

Cogent serves as a buy-side adviser on managed services mergers and acquisitions. The company worked with both companies throughout the acquisition process to make sure all of the proper documentation was filed, integration plans were made, and that the deal made sense for both sides. Boozer said the Cogent will be “hands-on” during the integration process, which will allow NCC Data and Data Direct to continue running their businesses throughout the process.

Other recent Cogent-advised MSP acquisitions include Mother Network Guardians’ purchase of Decisions Systems Plus, Inc. in June, 2011, and Circle Computer Resources’ purchase of Cramer IT in July, 2011.