Managed Services Acquisition: Ancero Buys INC
Say hello to the seventh managed services acquisition in 2011. This one involves two New Jersey managed services providers getting hitched. Specifically, Ancero LLC has acquired Integrated Network Consulting Inc. I’ve got seven questions about the deal. Plus, a broader update on MSP M&A activity.
Let’s start with the official news: Ancero claims to be one of the industry’s “fastest growing providers of managed services, hosted services, professional services and utility VoIP solutions.” Ancero is based in Mt. Laurel, N.J. Meanwhile, INC is headquartered in Cherry Hill, N.J. The business combination, according to a prepared Ancero statement, will give customers a broader range of IT options — including VoIP phone systems, hosted/cloud-based solutions, managed services, online backups, plus 24×7 help desk and network operation center support. The addition of INC’s engineering team takes Ancero to over 50 full-time employees, Ancero indicated.
Behind the Deal
I’ve got some additional questions about the deal, which I’ve emailed to Ancero’s communications department. My questions:
- How long had Ancero and INC been in discussions about the potential acquisition?
- Was INC profitable before the deal?
- Has Ancero disclosed a purchase price or valuation on the deal?
- Has Ancero made any acquisitions previously?
- Have Ancero and INC previously worked on any business engagements together?
- Will INC’s management team join Ancero?
- Will all INC employees be retained post acquisition?
I will let you know if/when I find some answers. Also, let me know if you have additional questions about the deal.
Seven Deals In 13 Days
Ancero’s buyout of INC is the seventh MSP-related merger or acquisition MSPmentor has spotted so far in 2011. The other deals include:
- Netgain acquiring DLP Technologies
- Microholdings US acquiring ConnectIT Networks Inc.
- Konica Minolta acquiring All Covered, a national MSP that plans continued acquisitions
- mindSHIFT acquiring Alpheon, the health care-focused MSP
- Printelligent acquiring DirectPointe’s managed print services business
- Fully Managed acquiring HIT Business Solutions as part of a Canadian expansion plan
As we’ve mentioned before: MSPmentor cautions readers to view each deal separately, since some are strategic in nature (i.e., pushing deeper into specific verticals) and others are tactical (i.e., acquiring customer lists).
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Do you have a ballpark range for valuations in this space. I looking to invest but can’t find anything about valuations. Is it safe to say one times revenue? i
Carmen: Valuations are all over the map. I’ve heard anywhere from 50 cents on the dollar to 1.5 on valuation. But it’s dangerous to zero in on a specific baseline number. It’s sort of like trying to price a 3-bedroom home. What’s the location? What’s the condition? How much work will the house need when acquired? Is the owner desperate to sell. Is the buyer desperate to get into the market?
-jp