LevelBlue acquires Trustwave to form largest global MSSP
LevelBlue has entered into an agreement to acquire Trustwave, expanding its capabilities in managed security services and managed detection and response.
The acquisition of Trustwave from MC2 Security Fund is expected to create the world's largest independent, pure-play managed security services provider. This move closely follows LevelBlue's recent agreement to purchase Aon's cybersecurity consulting business, further consolidating its position in the cyber defence sector.
Expanded capabilities
Trustwave's Fusion Platform and cloud-native MDR service will be integrated into LevelBlue's offering. The merger aims to deliver 24/7 cybersecurity protection across global markets, enhancing visibility and control over security operations for organisations of varying scales.
The combined portfolio is anticipated to create a strategically unified managed defence platform. It will leverage LevelBlue's artificial intelligence-driven threat detection capabilities and Trustwave's SpiderLabs unit for threat research and intelligence. The joint offering targets organisations operating across cloud, hybrid, and on-premises environments.
Trustwave recently achieved full authorised status from the US Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP) and StateRAMP, which will enable LevelBlue to meet requirements for US federal and state projects, including those with stringent security demands such as the Department of Defense and Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC).
"The acquisition of Trustwave represents a pivotal moment for LevelBlue and the cybersecurity industry," said Robert McCullen, Chairman and CEO of LevelBlue. "Trustwave's extensive expertise in managed detection and response services, combined with its unparalleled threat intelligence from SpiderLabs and mission-critical FedRAMP and StateRAMP authorizations, perfectly aligns with our vision to deliver simplified and powerful cybersecurity protection to organisations. This strategic move reflects our commitment to delivering better cybersecurity outcomes to our customers and enhances our global go-to-market capabilities, as well as in the U.S. federal, state, and local government markets."
Eric Harmon, Chief Executive Officer of Trustwave, said, "We're thrilled to partner with LevelBlue to drive our next phase of growth and unlock even greater cyber value for our clients. The threat landscape continues to evolve at an increasingly rapid pace. This announcement reinforces Trustwave's market leadership, and together with LevelBlue, positions us to further strengthen our combined leadership position, bolster our offensive and defensive security portfolio, and drive additional innovation to further safeguard and fortify our clients against disruptive and damaging cyber threats."
Market response
Trustwave, headquartered in Chicago and operating globally, employs over 1,000 security professionals. It is recognised as an industry leader in managed detection and response, managed security services, cybersecurity advisory, penetration testing, database, and email security. Its SpiderLabs team contributes threat research and intelligence, integrated into its product and service suite.
Market analysts noted the significance of the deal, particularly in light of recent consolidations in the managed security sector.
Christina Richmond, Principal Analyst at Richmond Advisory Group, stated, "Two longtime leaders in MSS and MDR coming together signals market maturation and industry consolidation, but also a powerhouse opportunity. Trustwave's SpiderLabs team and Fusion platform integrated with LevelBlue's threat intelligence and machine learning capabilities, backed by the Open Threat Exchange (OTX), will enhance threat detection and response on a cloud-based platform. Add in the recently announced acquisition of Aon's Cybersecurity and Intellectual Property Litigation consulting groups, and the potential for a full-service global cybersecurity and risk management firm is apparent."
Strategic impact
The acquisition fits into LevelBlue's broader approach of merging complementary organisations to build a stronger, more integrated offering for clients, specifically addressing increased demand for comprehensive managed cybersecurity solutions. Bringing together the two companies will position LevelBlue as the largest independent, pure-play MSSP globally.
Chad Sweet, Chairman of Trustwave and Co-Founder of The Chertoff Group / MC2, expressed support for the acquisition. "Joining forces with LevelBlue marks an exciting new chapter for Trustwave and our clients. The combination of LevelBlue's AI threat detection and Trustwave's FedRAMP and StateRAMP authorized Fusion Intelligent Security Operations Platform enables leading-edge cybersecurity protection for enterprises and government clients."
Shawn Hakl, Head of AT&T Business Products, commented on the significance of the certification aspects. "FedRAMP and StateRAMP certified managed detection and response capabilities are an exciting expansion to LevelBlue's managed security services. This business combination positions LevelBlue as a strategic provider of cybersecurity services in AT&T's portfolio, especially to our valued federal customers."
Financial advice for LevelBlue was provided by Santander, with legal counsel from Kirkland & Ellis. Trustwave's advisors included Guggenheim Securities and Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman. Strategic advice will be provided by The Chertoff Group to help accelerate growth in the managed detection and response market segment. The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, and the acquisition remains subject to customary closing conditions.
