Private equity-backed businesses planning acquisitive growth in FY27 face a familiar challenge: how to scale quickly without introducing operational risk, spiralling IT costs, or hidden technical debt that undermines future value.
In our experience, technology is often one of the biggest enablers, or blockers, of successful growth. The right managed service provider (MSP) doesn’t just handle the day-to-day; they help create a secure, repeatable platform that supports rapid acquisition, integration, and exit readiness.
So what should you look for in an MSP partner if growth by acquisition is on your roadmap?
1. Proven experience with PE-backed, acquisitive businesses
Not all MSPs are built for high-speed growth. Supporting acquisitive businesses requires a very different operating model to steady-state IT support.
An MSP experienced in PE-backed environments understands the pressure points: accelerated timelines, multiple stakeholders, and the need to balance speed with risk management. Crucially, they should have a demonstrable track record in pre-acquisition due diligence (DD), helping to identify IT risks early and avoid costly surprises post-deal.
This experience enables faster integration into the platform business, quicker realisation of synergies, and a more predictable cost base. These are key drivers of value creation in any PE investment.
2. A repeatable, low-risk integration approach
Growth through acquisition only works if integrations are executed consistently. Each deal should not feel like starting from scratch.
Look for an MSP with a trusted, repeatable onboarding and integration process. This should include clearly defined playbooks covering security baselines, identity management, data migration, and end-user support. When done well, this approach reduces disruption to newly acquired teams and allows the wider business to maintain momentum.
A strong integration model also helps standardise systems across the group, reducing complexity and creating a more robust technology platform to support future acquisitions, or an eventual exit.
3. Security and compliance baked in from day one
For PE-backed businesses, cyber security and compliance are no longer “nice to have”. They are fundamental to protecting enterprise value.
An MSP partner should bring deep expertise in security-first environments, particularly if you operate in regulated sectors. Look for alignment with recognised frameworks and standards, such as Cyber Essentials, ISO 27001, and sector-specific governance requirements.
More importantly, security should be embedded into the managed service as standard, not bolted on later. A layered security model, supported by proactive monitoring and incident management, helps reduce the risk of breaches that could cause reputational damage or derail a transaction.
4. Commercial flexibility that matches your growth strategy
PE-backed businesses need optionality. Your MSP contract should support that, not constrain it.
Flexible terms, transparent pricing, and predictable monthly costs allow leadership teams to balance stability with agility as the business evolves. Whether you’re planning multiple bolt-ons, preparing for refinancing, or approaching an exit, flexibility in your IT partnership can be a significant advantage.
Equally, an MSP that understands acquisition scenarios can structure onboarding and separation projects in a way that removes friction and avoids unnecessary upfront costs.
5. A partnership mindset, not a supplier relationship
At scale, IT becomes too important to outsource to a purely transactional provider.
The right MSP operates as an extension of your leadership team, aligning technology decisions with business objectives. This includes providing named points of contact, clear escalation paths, and a deep understanding of your environment, not just a generic service desk.
For acquisitive businesses, this partnership approach is especially valuable. It enables rapid mobilisation to meet deal timelines, supports VIP users and senior stakeholders during periods of change, and ensures IT is ready to support growth rather than reacting to it.
6. Building a platform that supports long-term value creation
Ultimately, PE-backed growth is about value creation—both during the hold period and at exit.
A strong MSP partner helps create a cost-effective, low-risk IT platform that scales with the business. By reducing technical debt, improving security posture, and standardising systems, they help position the organisation as a more attractive investment for future buyers or investors.
This platform approach doesn’t just support day-to-day operations; it underpins confidence in the business’s ability to continue growing – organically or by acquisition – well beyond FY27.
At Bedroq, supporting PE-backed acquisitive businesses is a core part of what we do.
We work with organisations undergoing high-speed growth to securely integrate acquisitions, reduce risk, and build technology platforms that support long-term business value. Contact us to find out more.