PE Platform Acquisition · MSP

The 20 MSP Acquires Tech Junkies MSP: Aggressive Rollup Continues

By Gui Carlos, CFA, Principal at Walden M&A··4 min read

Transaction Summary

BuyerThe 20 MSP
TargetTech Junkies MSP
Date AnnouncedMay 1, 2024
Deal ValueUndisclosed
EBITDA MultipleUndisclosed
Buyer TypePE Platform
Target TypeMSP
RegionMidwest
StateKS

The Deal

The 20 MSP acquired Tech Junkies MSP in May 2024 as part of a simultaneous three-deal acquisition package that demonstrates the PE-backed platform's relentless consolidation pace. This transaction marked another milestone in The 20 MSP's aggressive rollup strategy, bringing their total acquisition count to 33 deals completed over just two years.

Tech Junkies MSP, based in Kansas, became part of The 20 MSP's expanding Midwest footprint. The deal was structured as one of three "hat trick" acquisitions announced simultaneously, showcasing the buyer's operational capacity to execute multiple transactions in parallel. Financial terms were not disclosed for any of the three deals.

The acquisition reinforces The 20 MSP's position as one of the most active consolidators in the MSP space, maintaining an acquisition pace that averages more than one deal per month since their rollup strategy began.

Strategic Logic

This acquisition fits squarely within The 20 MSP's geographic expansion strategy, adding Kansas market presence to their growing Midwest platform. The simultaneous three-deal structure suggests The 20 MSP has developed sophisticated acquisition infrastructure capable of managing multiple due diligence processes and integrations concurrently.

Key strategic drivers for this deal include:

  • Geographic density: Adding Kansas presence strengthens The 20 MSP's Midwest corridor coverage
  • Operational leverage: The platform's proven integration playbook allows for rapid onboarding of acquired MSPs
  • Scale economics: Each acquisition adds to the platform's purchasing power and operational efficiency
  • Market consolidation: Acquiring established local players before competitors can reach them

The "hat trick" approach also demonstrates capital efficiency - spreading transaction costs across multiple deals while leveraging the same management attention and integration resources. This operational model has become a hallmark of successful MSP rollup strategies.

Valuation Context

While deal terms remain undisclosed, the transaction occurs during a period of sustained MSP valuation strength. The 20 MSP's ability to complete 33 acquisitions in 24 months indicates access to substantial capital and suggests their PE backers remain confident in MSP sector fundamentals.

The simultaneous three-deal structure typically indicates standardized valuation frameworks and streamlined negotiation processes. Most active MSP consolidators develop consistent pricing models that allow for rapid deal execution when suitable targets emerge. Current MSP transactions generally trade in the 4-7x EBITDA range for mid-market deals, with premiums for faster-growing or specialized service providers.

The pace of The 20 MSP's acquisition activity suggests they may be paying market or slight premiums to secure deals quickly, prioritizing speed and certainty over price optimization. This approach often proves effective in competitive auction processes where multiple consolidators compete for quality MSP targets.

What MSP Owners Should Know

  1. Rollup platforms prioritize execution speed over price negotiation The 20 MSP's ability to complete three simultaneous deals demonstrates that established platforms value certainty and speed. MSP owners considering exit should prepare comprehensive data rooms and be ready for accelerated due diligence timelines when engaging with active consolidators.

  2. Geographic clustering drives acquisition priorities The Kansas location of Tech Junkies MSP aligns with The 20 MSP's Midwest expansion strategy. MSP owners in regions where consolidators are building density may find themselves with multiple interested buyers, potentially driving competitive dynamics and valuations.

  3. Platform integration capabilities matter more than size The 20 MSP's 33-deal track record suggests they have developed repeatable integration processes that can handle multiple simultaneous acquisitions. MSP owners should evaluate potential buyers based on their operational sophistication, not just their financial capacity.

  4. Market timing favors sellers with clean operations The sustained pace of MSP M&A activity, exemplified by deals like this one, indicates strong buyer appetite. MSP owners with organized financials, documented processes, and growth trajectories should consider whether current market conditions align with their exit timing preferences.

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