Channel technologies, Content, Channel technologies, Midmarket, Mergers and Acquisitions

Micro Strategies Acquires IBM, Big Data, IoT Business Partner

Anthony Bongiovanni
Anthony Bongiovanni

Micro Strategies Inc. is acquiring New England Systems (NES), a Premier IBM Business Partner that specializes in big data, business analytics and information management solutions. Financial terms were not disclosed.

NES, headquartered in Ludlow, Massachusetts, launched in 1980 and provides end-to-end Information Management Solutions for companies throughout the Northeastern United States. The deal allows Micro Strategies to expand geographically while also pushing deeper into big data and analytics solutions, CEO Anthony Bongiovanni said. Additional focus areas will include the Internet of Things, social media and real-time analytic offerings.

Micro Strategies  operates two state-of-the-art Innovation Centers in Parsippany, New Jersey and Malvern, Pennsylvania. A third center, leveraging NES, is planned for the Boston area. The acquisition is planned to be completed by the end of 2016.

This is at least NES's second key M&A deal in recent years. The company merged with IQ Associates around 2012, essentially gaining a services team focused on business intelligence and data integration.

Micro Strategies is likely a $100 million-plus business these days, but ChannelE2E doesn't know for sure. For its fiscal year 2013, revenues were $96.3 million, according to the Inc. 5000 report from mid-2014. The company had a three-year growth rate of 49 percent at the time. Still, quite a bit has shifted in the hardware and software markets since that time.

Multiple IBM-focused channel partners have been acquired in recent months -- especially as IBM itself transforms for cloud, mobile, security and cognitive computing opportunities. Among the example deals: Champion Solutions Group acquired Midrange Support & Service Inc. (MSSi) in July. MSSi specializes in IBM i and Power solutions and services.

To track mergers and acquisitions involving VARs, MSPs, CSPs and IT service providers, visit the ChannelE2E Milestones section daily.

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.