Fulcrum IT Partners is acquiring Ohio-based cybersecurity firm Fortress SRM from MCPC for an undisclosed amount. Fulcrum IT, which has positioned itself as an emerging platform MSP in recent years, says it was attracted to Fortress’s reputation in cybersecurity. The deal also gives Fulcrum its own security operations center (SOC).
“The team’s mature 24/7 SOC and comprehensive cybersecurity solutions were equally attractive and aligned perfectly with Fulcrum’s goal of actioning AI and enhancing our cybersecurity capabilities,” Kyle Lanzinger, president, Fulcrum IT Partners, explained to ChannelE2E.
AI Integration: Advancing Cybersecurity and Insurance Outcomes
Fulcrum’s MSP brands will gain access to these additional strategic services immediately, the company said.
“This means more robust real-time monitoring and better management of cybersecurity for Fulcrum’s clients,” Lanzinger said. “Plus, Fulcrum’s hybrid AI capabilities will be combined with Fortress’s offerings, creating even more advanced and data-driven cybersecurity solutions for our portfolio of MSP brands and their customers.”
By embedding AI into its cybersecurity and data protection services, Fulcrum will be able to leverage unstructured cyber data to unlock and provide better security services and allow customers to access better cyber insurance outcomes.
Before this deal, Fulcrum had partnered with SOC providers. But since at least June, the company has been exploring the idea of acquiring its own SOC, looking to provide consistent and integrated security services for its clients. The buyout of Fortress fits into that strategy.
Maintaining Brand Independence
With the addition of Fortress’ SOC operations and IT service management team, Fulcrum now has 1,000 employees worldwide, according to Lanzinger. Among those joining Fulcrum are Fortress’ leadership team, including its CEO Andy Jones.
Moreover, the company will not be rebranding Fortress, Lanzinger said.
“Fortress has built tremendous brand equity and will continue to operate under its name, as part of Fulcrum’s broader portfolio,” he told ChannelE2E.
This is in keeping with Fulcrum’s past deals and overall M&A strategy. Unlike some of its competitors, Fulcrum allows the companies it acquires to retain their branding and operational independence. This method fosters an environment where innovation and expansion are key, according to company executives.
In addition to the acquisition of Fortress, Fulcrum and MCPC have formed a strategic alliance to help scale the team’s cybersecurity capabilities globally by leveraging Fulcrum’s new AI-powered SOC and cybersecurity services.
