Dallas-based LevelBlue, a global provider of cloud-based, AI-driven managed security services, has agreed to buy Aon’s Cybersecurity and Intellectual Property (IP) Litigation consulting groups, including recognized cybersecurity firm Stroz Friedberg and Elysium Digital.

LevelBlue said the acquisition—the terms of which were not disclosed—represents a significant step in its growth strategy by adding deep cyber and high-tech IP litigation consulting expertise and world-class incident response capabilities to its expanding global portfolio.

“Cyber resilience is crucial for organizations of all sizes,” LevelBlue Chairman and CEO Robert McCullen said in a statement. “By combining LevelBlue’s exceptional cloud-based, AI-driven managed detection and response platform with Stroz Friedberg’s proactive cyber consulting and advanced digital forensic and incident response capabilities, we’re introducing the industry’s most comprehensive unified cybersecurity services platform.”

“This platform will not only strengthen clients’ defenses preemptively but also empower them with deeper insights and faster incident resolution,” McCullen added. “Together, we’re helping organizations stay ahead of emerging threats and recover with greater speed and confidence.”

LevelBlue was formerly known as AT&T Cybersecurity before its spinout as a standalone business in May 2024.

Serving clients ‘with an expanded suite of cyber solutions’

With this deal, LevelBlue said it gains a globally recognized cyber and IP litigation consulting platform that includes a team of approximately 300 technology professionals with strong relationships across Fortune 500 enterprises, 80% of the Am Law 100, and a majority of Top 20 law firms in the U.K.

LevelBlue said the integration of consulting solutions complements its 24/7 managed detection and response services, creating a comprehensive cybersecurity risk management offering that addresses both digital risk protection and incident response, positioning it to become the largest independent pureplay Managed Security Services Provider (MSSP) globally.

“We’re thrilled to join forces with LevelBlue,” David Yaches, CEO of Cyber Solutions Security Consulting at Aon, said in a statement. “Our teams are aligned in mission and values, and this acquisition will allow us to serve clients with an expanded suite of cyber solutions and deeper technical expertise.”

Aon’s Cybersecurity consulting group is also recognized as a leader in the 2024 Forrester Wave for Cybersecurity Incident Response Services by providing organizations with a comprehensive range of cyber resilience services designed to help them prepare for, withstand, and recover from cyber incidents, the companies said.

“The incredible cybersecurity readiness and response capabilities of Aon’s Cybersecurity consulting group, including the esteemed heritage of the Stroz Friedberg legacy, brings highly valued expertise to LevelBlue,” Mike Troiano, LevelBlue board member and head of AT&T Business Products, said. “We expect this acquisition to significantly enhance the strategic cybersecurity services delivered globally by LevelBlue to AT&T’s government and enterprise customers.”

Strategic acquisition

As part of this acquisition, Aon and LevelBlue will also establish a strategic relationship to collaboratively offer their respective services to clients in a holistic manner.

“Cyber remains a top risk category for our clients,” said Christian Hoffman, Global Specialty & Financial Products leader at Aon. “Aon will continue to deliver leading cyber brokerage capabilities through our Cyber Solutions group, CyQu platform and Cyber Risk Analyzer to serve our clients growing cyber broking needs.”

Christina Richmond, principal analyst at Richmond Advisory Group, said the deal makes LevelBlue stronger.

“This is a highly strategic acquisition for the cybersecurity services market,” Richmond said. “LevelBlue will strengthen its position at the intersection of managed security and cyber consulting services. By acquiring leading cybersecurity and IP litigation consulting capabilities, the combined organization is now better positioned to proactively enhance organizational resilience. The strategic relationship with Aon bolsters LevelBlue’s posture with cyber insurers and adds highly complementary risk analysis and advisory services.”

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