LevelBlue, a global provider of 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. This strategic acquisition complements LevelBlue’s recent agreement to acquire Aon’s cybersecurity consulting business, formerly known as Stroz Friedberg, and is poised to create the largest pure-play Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP) in the industry.
The acquisition will integrate LevelBlue’s expertise in strategic risk management and cybersecurity infrastructure with Trustwave’s Fusion Platform and cloud-native MDR service, which provides 24/7 cybersecurity protection. The combined capabilities aim to offer enterprises enhanced visibility and control over security resource provisioning, monitoring, and management across various environments, thereby strengthening overall cyber resilience. The merged portfolios will establish a unified cybersecurity managed defense platform, supported by LevelBlue’s AI threat detection platform and the elite SpiderLabs’ threat research and intelligence capabilities, designed to safeguard critical assets in cloud, hybrid, and on-premises environments.
Earlier this year, Chicago-based Trustwave, with worldwide operations and over 1,000 security professionals, achieved full authorized status by the Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP). This, along with Trustwave’s StateRAMP authorization, positions LevelBlue to meet stringent requirements, including the Department of Defense’s “US eyes only” mandate for the Defense Industrial Base and Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) for MDR services across federal, state, and local government markets. Trustwave is recognized for its managed detection and response, managed security services, cybersecurity advisory services, penetration testing, database security, and email security. The Trustwave SpiderLabs team contributes industry-leading threat research, intelligence, and threat hunting.
Robert McCullen, Chairman and CEO of LevelBlue, commented, “The acquisition of Trustwave represents a pivotal moment for LevelBlue and the cybersecurity industry. 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.”
Trustwave CEO Eric Harmon stated, “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.”
Christina Richmond, Principal Analyst at Richmond Advisory Group, observed, “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.”
Chad Sweet, Chairman of Trustwave and Co-Founder of The Chertoff Group / MC2, added, “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.”
This acquisition is a critical component of LevelBlue’s broader strategy to integrate key organizations with its capabilities, aiming to provide superior outcomes for clients. This portfolio consolidation is strategically designed to address the increasing demand for more comprehensive and integrated managed cybersecurity solutions, positioning LevelBlue to become the largest independent, pure-play MSSP globally.
Shawn Hakl, Head of AT&T Business Products, commented, “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.”
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.
