Mergers and Acquisitions, MSP

MSP Merger: CompuVision, Savvia Combine Forces

CompuVision Systems Inc. and Savvia Inc. are the latest managed IT service providers to merge their businesses, the two MSPs confirmed today.

> Updated Aug. 19, 11:15 a.m. ET: CEOs from both companies explain the merger to ChannelE2E.

Founded in 2010, Savvia is an IT advisory firm based in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. In recent years the company has emphasized Office 365 migrations.

Founded around 1992, CompuVision is an MSP headquartered in St. Albert, Alberta. The companies "bring together not only complementary expertise in technology strategy and operations, but a shared corporate culture driven by curiosity, teamwork and a drive to excel and to serve," according to a statement from both firms.

At some point within the next few months, the company will leverage CompuVision as its core brand. Together, the combined companies expect to have about 135 employees by years end -- including staff in Edmonton, Calgary, Vancouver and Houston, Texas.

ChannelE2E has reached out to CompuVision and Savvia for more details about the deal. We will update this article if/when those details emerge.

MSP Mergers, Acquisitions: Canada Activity

This is the latest in a growing list of MSP mergers and acquisitions across Canada. Additional deals in the region have included:

Sources say some of weakness in Canada's energy sector has forced some vertical market MSPs to merge, though we don't have firsthand knowledge of such scenarios.

While privately held MSPs and VARs rarely disclose deal valuations, experts say the typical MSP is worth somewhere between 6X and 8X EBITDA -- though a range of factors can impact valuation.

For ongoing coverage of M&A activity involving VARs, MSPs and CSPs, check out ChannelE2E’s Milestones section.

Joe Panettieri

Joe Panettieri is co-founder & editorial director of MSSP Alert and ChannelE2E, the two leading news & analysis sites for managed service providers in the cybersecurity market.