Ascend Technologies And Infogressive Join Forces In PE Backed Merger

July 22, 2020

Ascend Technologies And Infogressive Join Forces In PE Backed Merger

The combined capabilities build on a security-driven, cloud-enabled, intelligent technology foundation for leading MSPs and organizations of all sizes

Jul 20, 2020, 11:10 ET

CHICAGO and LINCOLN, Neb., July 20, 2020 /PRNewswire/ –ASCEND TECHNOLOGIES LLC, a leading Midwest IT solution provider, today announced a merger with Infogressive, Inc., a leader in cybersecurity solutions.

Recently named to MSSP Alert’s top 20 Security Operations Center (SOC) as a Service solution provider for MSPs ranking and #54 on the top 200 MSSPs, Infogressive is a highly respected national cybersecurity services provider. With the backing of private equity firm M/C Partners, the two companies will merge to extend and grow the respective strengths in cybersecurity and cloud.

“Ascend and Infogressive leadership saw an opportunity to create continued growth in our respective businesses while offering a broader range of services and capabilities to our respective clients,” said Wayne Kiphart, CEO, Ascend. “The merger will significantly bolster Ascend’s established strengths in cloud and infrastructure, application management, data management and cybersecurity. We are excited to welcome the entire Infogressive team to our Ascend family,” continued Kiphart.

“We are proud of our heritage and have been 100% focused on cybersecurity since our founding in 2006. In that time, we have never had a data breach. For Infogressive, the merger means we can invest in growing our areas of competency in cybersecurity while ensuring our existing clients and partners gain from Ascend’s extensive breadth of offerings and broader geographic presence,” said Justin Kallhoff, CEO, Infogressive. “As I worked with Ascend leadership, it was clear that our company cultures would blend seamlessly while offering our clients and partners a broader range of services and solutions, and give our employees many opportunities to develop and grow their knowledge and careers,” said Kallhoff.

The combined organizations will have over 150 U.S.-based technical and security professionals and offices in Chicago, Illinois and Lincoln, Nebraska.

The transaction was facilitated by IT ExchangeNet (ITX), a leading mid-market mergers and acquisitions firm specializing in the sale of MSSPs, MSPs, and Microsoft channel partners.

ABOUT ASCEND TECHNOLOGIES

Ascend Technologies is a far cry from your run-of-the-mill managed services provider. Our team of over 100 U.S.-based information technology professionals enable business growth through innovation and technology. Ascend helps business leaders make IT investments with confidence, eliminate cybersecurity threats, meet the needs of the business and optimize user productivity. Businesses endure, grow and innovate on a foundation of efficiently run core IT systems. Ascend makes technology the catalyst for business expansion. To learn more visit www.teamascend.com.

ABOUT INFOGRESSIVE

At Infogressive, we live and breathe cybersecurity. Founded in 2006 and based in Lincoln, NE, Infogressive is dedicated to “doing security right” – both in the technical and customer service aspects. Our defense in depth approach provides a 360-degree platform that makes it easy to worry less about the security and focus more on your business. We have a dynamic team of experts with many years in the information security industry. Our mission is to eliminate the risk in your network and implement best practices that keep your company safe and protected.

If you want to learn more about us, visit our website for more of our cybersecurity story and to contact us.

ABOUT M/C PARTNERS

Based in Boston, M/C Partners is a private equity firm focused exclusively on the communications, information technology services and media sectors. The firm has invested over $2.2 billion of capital into over 130 companies, generally investing in companies with enterprise values of $25 million to $250 million. Related current and prior investments include Cavalier Telephone, Carbon60, Ensono, Everstream, Fusepoint, Denovo, ICG Communications, Involta, Lightower, Neutral Connect Networks, NuVox, Thrive Networks and Zayo Group. The firm has strong institutional backing from the nation’s leading pension funds and endowments as well as a long track record of success. For more information, visit www.mcpartners.com.

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Zack Halpryn

Zack Halpryn is an Associate at M|C Partners, where he focuses on investment opportunities in the digital infrastructure and technology services sectors. Prior to joining MC, Zack worked at HarbourVest Partners, where he was focused on buyout and growth equity investments. Previously he worked at Performance Equity Management and Credit Suisse. Zack received a B.B.A in Finance (summa cum laude) from the Isenberg School of Management at UMass Amherst. He currently lives in Boston’s West End and in his spare time enjoys playing sports (volleyball, basketball, golf), reading and watching the Celtics.

Joined

2023

AFFILIATED PORTFOLIO

AccessParks
Ascend Technologies
Carbon60
Denovo
TowerCom

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BOARD POSITIONS

celito

Established in 1999 and based in Raleigh, is a trusted, local communications and managed services provider to businesses leveraging its fully owned fiber network. celito creates technology solutions for businesses across all sectors both large and small. From supplying high-speed Internet service, to providing quality VoIP telecom service, to setting up your office network, they offer turnkey solutions from the desktop to the cloud

TEAM MEMBERS

GSC

RDC

KA

SECTOR

Jason P. Stutman

Jason Stutman is a Senior Fund Accountant at M/C Partners, responsible for the cash management of co-investment vehicles, preparing quarterly financial statements, and communication with Limited Partners. Prior to joining the firm in 2023, Jason worked in the Portfolio Analytics Group at HarbourVest Partners. He earned a BSBA with honors in Finance with a minor in Computer Information Science from The Ohio State University. Jason lives in South Boston and enjoys cheering on Boston sports teams, playing hockey and golf and traveling.

Joined

2023

AFFILIATED PORTFOLIO

Contact

BOARD POSITIONS

Cuba Burch Berner

Cuba Burch Berner is an Associate at M|C Partners, where he focuses on investment opportunities in digital infrastructure and technology services. Prior to joining the firm in 2022, Cuba was an Equity Research Associate at Citi covering infrastructure companies within the telecommunications industry, including data centers and wireless towers. He holds a B.S. in Mathematics with a specialization in Economics from the University of Chicago. Cuba currently lives in Boston’s West End and enjoys a myriad of outdoor activities including running, swimming, hiking, and skiing.

Joined

2022

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AFFILIATED PORTFOLIO

Ascend Technologies
Consortium Networks
C3 Integrated Solutions
SoniqWave

AccentHealth

AccentHealth operates an out-of-home advertising network that reaches over 12,000 physician office waiting areas in the U.S. – JOHN WATKINS

TEAM MEMBERS

JWW

SECTOR

IT SERVICES

James F. Wade

Jim Wade co-founded M/C Partners in 1986 with Dave Croll. He has been investing in communications and technology services since the advent of wireless and broadband, cornerstones of the firm’s sector focus. As Chairman, he manages the firm’s investment process, and continuously seeks out management teams, company prospects and financial resources to grow the portfolio. Jim’s successful track record includes MetroPCS (IPO), Lightower Holdings (acquired by Berkshire Partners), Cavalier Telephone (acquired by PAETEC), NuVox Communications (acquired by WindStream), Attenda (acquired by Darwin Private Equity), Melita (acquired by Apax Partners), PR Wireless (joint venture with Sprint affiliate in Puerto Rico), Thrive Networks (acquired/recapitalized by Court Square) and Involta (acquired by Carlyle Group). Today he serves as a director on the Board of Connectivity Wireless and has responsibility for Omega Wireless. Jim graduated from the University of Notre Dame a B.B.A in Finance and received an MBA from Harvard Business School. He lives outside Boston with his wife and four children. Jim was an avid boater and is now an average golfer.

JOINED

1986

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BOARD POSITIONS
Connectivity Wireless

Abhishek Rampuria

Abhishek (A.B.) is a Partner at M/C Partners, where he leads origination, deal diligence and portfolio company support for investments in a variety of communications and technology services segments. He currently serves on the Board of Ascend Technologies, Connectivity Wireless, Edafio Technology Partners, TowerCom and serves as a Board Observer for Thrive Networks. A.B. previously served as a Board Observer for Ensono (acquired by KKR) and QOS Networks (acquired by Zayo). Prior to joining M/C Partners in 2015, A.B. worked at Altman Solon (formerly Altman Vilandrie), a technology, media & telecommunications focused strategy consulting firm, where he completed projects for both operating companies and private equity investors. A.B. received a B.S. in Materials Science & Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He lives in Boston’s South End and outside of work, enjoys skiing, cycling, traveling and cheering on his home-town Patriots and Celtics.

Joined

2015

AFFILIATED PORTFOLIO

Thrive Networks

Contact

BOARD POSITIONS

Ascend Technologies
Connectivity Wireless
Edafio Technology Partners
TowerCom