What makes an MSP acquisition truly successful—an attractive valuation or the right strategic partner? In this episode of Cogent Conversations, Joe Pannone and Rick Murphy speak with Vertilocity’s Bruce Nelson and Computol founder Jeff Hamons about building an MSP merger around people, culture, capabilities, and long-term opportunity. Jeff reveals why receiving constant acquisition calls made it difficult to know whom to trust—and how Cogent Growth Partners transformed that uncertainty into a structured, professional process. After a detailed review of Computol’s services, contracts, financials, technology, and growth potential, Cogent introduced Jeff to several qualified buyers. His connection with Vertilocity quickly stood apart. The conversation also explores how joining a larger organization created stronger career paths for Computol’s employees while expanding cybersecurity, compliance, managed IT, and technology advisory resources for clients. Rick explains Cogent’s human-centered approach to technology mergers and acquisitions: “Opportunity First, Money Last.” Rather than beginning with EBITDA, multiples, and deal structure, successful MSP transactions begin by determining whether the companies, cultures, teams, and strategic goals genuinely belong together. 🔑 Top Three Highlights 🤝 How MSP owners can identify trustworthy acquisition partners 📈 Why employee opportunity and cultural alignment matter 💡 Why strategic fit should come before valuation and EBITDA Ideal for: MSP owners, IT services executives, technology advisors, buyers, sellers, and business leaders considering an acquisition or exit. Cogent’s “Opportunity First, Money Last” positioning and the Computol acquisition details were verified through Cogent Growth Partners and Vertilocity. --- 🔷 About Cogent Conversations Cogent Conversations is a straight-talk podcast focused on IT mergers and acquisitions for Managed Service Providers (MSPs) and technology services firms. Hosted by Rick Murphy, CEO of Cogent Growth Partners, the show dives deep into the realities of MSP growth, valuation, acquisition strategy, leadership transitions, and exit planning. 💼📈 This is not theory. It’s practical, real-world insight from years of buy-side and sell-side experience in the IT services space. Whether you're: ✔️ Scaling your MSP ✔️ Preparing for a future exit ✔️ Exploring mergers or acquisitions ✔️ Looking to increase EBITDA and enterprise value Cogent Conversations delivers clarity on what buyers actually look for — and how to run your business today so you’re ready tomorrow. If you’re serious about growth, valuation, and long-term strategy in the MSP industry, this podcast belongs in your regular rotation. 🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfQZUgOM_11e6AHcS-dlqYg 🌐 Web: https://cogentmergers.com/ 🔗 Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cogent-growth-partners-llc/ 👤 Rick Murphy LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ramurph/ #CogentConversations #MSP #MSPMergers #SellYourMSP #ITMergers #ITAcquisition #ManagedServiceProvider #MSPValuation #EBITDA #ExitStrategy #BusinessGrowth #TechEntrepreneur #PrivateEquity #ChannelPartners #ITLeadership #MSPGrowth #SuccessionPlanning #TechMergers #JoeyPinz
