CompTIA is set to go through a “transformational process” soon thanks to a big acquisition announced on Nov. 4. H.I.G. Capital and Thoma Bravo revealed they signed an agreement to acquire the brand, leading IT certification and training business, and products of the CompTIA.
Once the acquisition closes in early 2025 (pending regulatory approval), CompTIA will operate as a for-profit company under the Thoma Bravo/H.I.G. ownership. Thoma Bravo’s private equity software portfolio includes roughly 80 companies that generate $27 billion-plus in annual revenue. Those companies include ConnectWise, N-able, Proofpoint, and Sophos. And Miami-based H.I.G. specializes in providing debt and equity capital to middle-market companies with about $65 billion of capital under management.
Meanwhile, CompTia’s membership-based, 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization will be separated from CompTIA and continue its mission of service to the IT industry, according to the news release.
With CompTIA being one of the dominant training and community-building organizations in the channel, the news was massive. ChannelPro has gathered some expert insights, prepared statements, and social media posts. This can help MSPs better understand how the news can affects their operations.
Todd Thibodeaux, president and CEO of CompTIA
Todd Thibodeaux
“The transaction should be very positive for all our members and potential members. Being able to focus exclusively on serving the industry should definitely lead to more impactful member benefits and programs.”
Wayne Selk, vice president of CompTIA Community Cybersecurity Programs, and executive director of the CompTIA Community ISAO (Information Sharing and Analysis Organization) — via LinkedIn
MJ Patent, chief marketing officer of Logically and CompTIA Data Advisory Council member
MJ Patent
“I’m optimistic about this acquisition as it directly addresses the challenge CompTIA faced in balancing two distinct missions. Now, CompTIA can focus solely on educating IT professionals, while the association concentrates on building community impact in the IT channel. For MSPs specifically, this shift means they can look forward to greater support and education designed to help their businesses thrive. With a renewed focus on community support, the association can develop resources tailored to the unique needs of MSPs in the SMB space, from cybersecurity training to business best practices.
“This transition also opens up the opportunity to collaborate with and highlight other training and certification organizations that add value to our community. It’s a chance for MSPs to benefit from a focused, empowered community that’s committed to their success.”
Jay McBain, chief analyst – channels, partnerships & ecosystems for Canalys — via LinkedIn
Scott Barlow, vice president, global MSP and cloud alliances for Sophos and vice chair of CompTIA’s board — via prepared statement
Scott Barlow
“This transaction will allow the Association to chart an expanded course of service to the global IT industry while making a substantial new commitment to charitable impact.”
MJ Shoer, chief community officer for CompTIA — via LinkedIn
Adam Bielanski
Adam Bielanski, CEO and founder of MSP+
“This shift in CompTIA’s business model could be a game changer for MSPs. The transition to a for-profit approach may bring faster innovation and more tailored resources that better align with our industry’s needs. However, we’ll need to keep an eye on potential cost adjustments to ensure certifications and training remain accessible. It’s promising to see that the nonprofit community element will continue independently, preserving a trusted space for collaboration and advocacy. MSPs that proactively adapt to these changes will likely find new opportunities to strengthen their teams and enhance client value.”
Kyle Hanslovan, CEO of Huntress — via LinkedIn
Corey Kirkendoll, president and CEO of 5K Technical Services
Corey Kirkendoll
“This development is complex, as the private equity firms involved are major supporters of many players in the MSP industry, raising concerns about a potential shift towards vendor focus and a possible loss of the vendor neutrality we’ve valued. While I’m glad the community aspect remains nonprofit, I hope this won’t limit our scope or the impact we can achieve together. Interesting times ahead!”
Wes Spencer, co-founder of Empath — via LinkedIn
Allen Edwards of EPI Consulting, MSP Hire
Allen Edwards
“This acquisition is indeed significant, but I think it’s worth taking a measured view of its potential impact. In my experience, having a clearer division between any business activities, including nonprofit and for-profit activities, often strengthens both sides of the operation. By allowing the nonprofit activities to concentrate on serving the community while entrusting business operations to leaders with a strong commercial focus, CompTIA may ultimately enhance its ability to support MSPs and the broader tech ecosystem. Of course, the real effects will unfold over time, but this structure could prove beneficial for everyone involved in the long run.”
David Rush, senior instructor of Total Seminars — via LinkedIn
A.J. Rohde, senior partner at Thoma Bravo — via a prepared statement
A.J. Rohde
“The technology landscape is evolving quickly, and it is more important than ever that IT professionals have the skills needed to solve not only today’s challenges but also those expected to emerge in the future. We view our investment in CompTIA as an important opportunity to capitalize on this growing need while investing in the development of the industry as a whole.”
Featured image: iStock
