CompTIA Acquires TechAmerica

CompTIA has acquired TechAmerica, a public policy leader and business networking intelligence firm. The trade group said the acquisition will help CompTIA to strengthen its education, certification, advocacy and philanthropy efforts by utilizing TechAmerica’s public sector expertise and existing member base.

The newly formed organization will retain the CompTIA moniker, leadership and board of directors, with the addition of a new member from TechAmerica joining the board. CompTIA said it will begin using “The ICT Industry Trade Association” as its new tagline to reflect its new focus on the company’s broader efforts in the industry.

“The merging of CompTIA’s and TechAmerica’s membership bases enables our organization to pursue the best interests of the ICT sector as a whole, eliminating an artificial barrier that has divided efforts in the past. Moving forward, CompTIA will champion member-driven business and policy priorities that impact the entire continuum of companies from the small IT service provider to the software developer to the equipment manufacturer to communications service providers,” said Todd Thibodeaux, president and CEO, CompTIA, in a prepared statement. “The transaction clearly amplifies the industry’s already powerful voice in Washington, D.C., at a time when policies critical to continued innovation and economic growth are at stake.”

CompTIA noted the main advantage of the acquisition is the unification of complementary segments of information technology and communications (ICT) under a single organization, allowing for the company to enhance its voice, reach and influence within the industry. The revamped CompTIA plans on focusing attention on its ability to advocate for policy at all levels to show the impact of policy on IT companies of all sizes throughout the commercial and public sectors.

“We welcome the addition of TechAmerica’s advocacy team, see our strengths as complementary and look forward to amplifying the voice and reach of the information communications technology sector’s policy priorities,” said Elizabeth Hyman, vice president of Public Advocacy at CompTIA.

Premier members will now have access to new business networking and intelligence opportunities as part of the merger, including access to expanded public sector programs. Additionally, CompTIA said it gains policy advocacy in federal, state and international expertise and resources with the completion of its acquisition. The trade group plans to focus on accelerating the innovation cycle, building a 21st century workforce, maintaining secure, open access to the internet and ensuring state and federal governments are technologically equipped as some of its first projects after the merger.

The merger looks to be another win for members in addition to CompTIA’s recently announced open access membership model, which introduced a new no-cost level of engagement for prospective members as well as expanded tools and benefits for longtime members.