Node4 Is Growing, Acquires Microsoft Cloud Specialist risual

U.K. MSP Node4 is to strengthen its Microsoft Cloud capabilities with the acquisition of fellow Microsoft Azure Expert, risual.

The terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

As only one of 18 Microsoft Azure Experts in the U.K., risual claims deep solution and service knowledge across Microsoft platforms. With 170 staff in the U.K., it specializes in transforming clients in cloud, business and digital.

Node4 also cited risual’s strength in public sector, and its place digital and IT service frameworks, including the U.K. government’s Crown Commercial Service (CCS). The MSP said risual “will play a significant role in bringing the benefits of Node4’s wider portfolio of solutions to public sector organizations.”

Focus on Microsoft Cloud

Backed by Providence Equity Partners, Node4 said it is building on its organic growth. It said its acquisition of risual adds significant skills, experience, and revenue to its managed services business.The acquisition also builds on to Node4’s purchase of Microsoft Dynamics 365 partner TNP in July 2021. Together the company said it can offer a comprehensive Microsoft portfolio of services.

It will focus on all three Microsoft cloud platforms, delivering to Microsoft solutions to the enterprise mid-tier and public sector clients. The combined portfolio will help clients “create value-based strategies to move and re-imagine applications and services to the public cloud at a pace considering, economics, regulation, and security.”

Node4 said it also plans to create a Microsoft Centre of Excellence post-acquisition.

Commitment to Employees

risual’s co-founders, Alun Rogers and Rich Proud will remain in their leadership roles alongside their management team post-acquisition. Node4 said it is committed to all risual employees, and they will “play a critical role spearheading Microsoft cloud and public sector”.

Node4 will also support the continued growth of risual Education. Established in 2015, it provides end-user training to help organizations across the UK adopt technology. It also supports students with qualifications through an apprenticeship program.

Node4’s Andrew Gilbert

Andrew Gilbert, CEO of Node4 said as Node4 delivers more cloud-led transformation services, risual “represents a perfect fit.”

“With complementary Microsoft skill sets, Node4 and risual are ideally suited to deliver the change that matters for clients and the transformation outcomes they need.”

Node4 was acquired by Providence Equity Partners in March 2021.