LevelBlue to Acquire Trustwave, Becoming Largest Pure-Play Managed Security Services Provider

LevelBlue, a global leader in cloud-based, AI-driven managed security services (MSS), has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Trustwave, a global provider of cybersecurity and managed detection and response (MDR) services from the MC² Security Fund (MC²), a private equity fund sponsored by The Chertoff Group, an internationally recognized security and growth advisory firm. This strategic acquisition complements LevelBlue’s recent agreement to acquire Aon’s cybersecurity consulting business, formerly known as Stroz Friedberg, and further strengthens the company’s market leadership, uniting two leading Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs) to deliver unparalleled cybersecurity outcomes through a comprehensive and expanded suite of services designed to stay ahead of the rapidly evolving threat landscape. The acquisition will create the largest pure-play MSSP in the industry.The acquisition will integrate LevelBlue’s extensive expertise in strategic risk management and cybersecurity infrastructure with Trustwave’s Fusion Platform and cloud-native MDR service that provides 24/7 cybersecurity protection for organizations worldwide. The merged capabilities provide enterprises with unprecedented visibility and control over how security resources are provisioned, monitored, and managed across any environment, strengthening overall cyber resilience. The combined portfolios will also establish a strategically unified cybersecurity managed defense platform, supported by LevelBlue’s AI threat detection platform and elite SpiderLabs’ threat research and intelligence capabilities, safeguarding critical assets across cloud, hybrid, and on-premises environments.

Earlier this year, Trustwave became the first pure-play MDR service provider to attain full authorized status by the Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP). This prestigious achievement, along with Trustwave’s StateRAMP authorization, positions LevelBlue to meet the Department of Defense’s stringent “US eyes only” requirement for the Defense Industrial Base and Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) for MDR services across federal, state, and local government markets.

“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 organizations. 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.”

“We’re thrilled to partner with LevelBlue to drive our next phase of growth and unlock even greater cyber value for our clients,” said Trustwave CEO Eric Harmon. “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.”

Based in Chicago, IL with worldwide operations, Trustwave is comprised of more than 1,000 security-focused professionals and is an analyst-recognized leader in managed detection and response, managed security services, cybersecurity advisory services, penetration testing, database security, and email security. The elite Trustwave SpiderLabs team delivers industry-leading threat research, intelligence, and threat hunting, all of which are integrated into Trustwave’s services and products to enhance cyber resilience in an era of unavoidable cyberattacks.

“Two longtime leaders in MSS and MDR coming together signals market maturation and industry consolidation, but also a powerhouse opportunity,” said Christina Richmond, Principal Analyst at Richmond Advisory Group. “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.”

“Joining forces with LevelBlue marks an exciting new chapter for Trustwave and our clients,” said Chad Sweet, Chairman of Trustwave and Co-Founder of The Chertoff Group / MC². “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.”

This acquisition is a critical part of LevelBlue’s broader strategy to merge the best organizations with its capabilities, providing superior outcomes for clients. This portfolio consolidation is strategically designed to address the increasing demand for more comprehensive and integrated managed cybersecurity solutions, which positions LevelBlue to become the largest independent, pure-play MSSP globally.

“FedRAMP and StateRAMP certified managed detection and response capabilities are an exciting expansion to LevelBlue’s managed security services,” added Shawn Hakl, Head of AT&T Business Products. “This business combination positions LevelBlue as a strategic provider of cybersecurity services in AT&T’s portfolio, especially to our valued federal customers.”

Santander is serving as financial advisor and Kirkland & Ellis LLP is serving as legal advisor to LevelBlue. Guggenheim Securities is serving as financial advisor and Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman is serving as legal advisor to Trustwave. The Chertoff Group will partner with LevelBlue to provide strategic insight to further accelerate growth across the MDR market segment. Financial terms were not disclosed, and the acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions.