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ChannelE2E 100: Top Mergers & Acquisitions of 2016

ChannelE2E today unveiled its latest ChannelE2E 100 report and associated list -- the Top 100 Mergers and Acquisitions of 2016. This edition of the ChannelE2E 100 celebrates businesses that are blending organic and M&A growth -- with an emphasis on strategic acquisitions.

ChannelE2E 100 honorees include VARs (value-added resellers), MSPs (managed services providers), cloud services providers (CSPs), IT service providers (ITSPs), independent software vendors (ISVs), distributors, technology companies and other members of the IT channel ecosystem.

Within the Top 100 Mergers and Acquisitions report, you'll notice that buyers and sellers from across the IT channel come from all walks of life... VARs, MSPs, CSPs, private equity and more. In fact, sometimes it's downright difficult to put a "single" label on the buyers and sellers... hence the predominance of "Other" in the chars below.

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Overall, M&A activity in the technology sector was down slightly in 2016 vs. 2015. But it's important to note that 2015 was a record year, so a slight decline in 2016 wasn't all that surprising. Moreover, the presidential election caused some companies to pause their M&A discussions until they had a better feel for the geopolitical landscape going forward, notes Service Leadership CEO Paul Dippell.

Also of note: While overall tech M&A dipped a bit in 2016, deals involving IT channel partners accelerated, both ChannelE2E and Service Leadership agree, based on their independent work in the market.

MSP Valuations: Service Leadership's Research

On a ChannelE2E webcast today, Dippell provided the latest valuation information for IT service providers -- including a look at how EBITDA growth can greatly enhance valuation.

Paul Dippell Paul Dippell

If you missed the live webcast we've still got you've covered:

Thanks to those who participated in M&A briefings with ChannelE2E, and to Paul Dippell and our webcast attendees.

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.