IT consultancy Core BTS has acquired Blue Chip Consulting, a consulting firm specializing in Microsoft cloud consulting and managed services. This is the second Microsoft specialist acquisition since Core BTS was itself bought by private equity firm Tailwind Capital in 2018.
Founded in 2004 and based in Cleveland, Blue Chip helps clients across industries build deploy, and manage Microsoft-based solutions. The Microsoft Gold Partner and Cloud Solutions Provider delivers services in strategy and transformation, cloud, security, and modern workplace.
The firm has 167 employees on LinkedIn and offices in Cleveland, Cincinnati, Columbus, Louisville, Nashville, and St. Louis.
Core BTS’ acquisition of Blue Chip will greatly expand its Microsoft practice. “This merger significantly advances our capabilities, creating a stronger Microsoft business to provide enhanced productivity, security, collaboration, and data center migration services for a broader range of clients” said Paul Lidsky, CEO of Core BTS. “Both companies have an unwavering focus on customer service and our combined resources and commitment will allow us to grow our footprint in the Microsoft ecosystem and in the market.”
Core BTS is headquartered in Indianapolis and helps organizations plan, design, implement, and operate IT projects. The firm offers network, data center, collaboration, and security solutions, as well as cloud transformation, change management, learning services, and managed services.
The company’s technology partners include Microsoft Cloud Solutions, Cisco Solutions, and Pure Storage. Core BTS has 14 US offices from coast-to-coast and 474 employees, according to LinkedIn.
The merger will create an IT consultancy with 16 US offices, 500+ employees, and 1,200+ clients, according to a press release from Core BTS.
Jim Peelman, CEO of Blue Chip, will lead the newly expanded Microsoft practice at Core BTS. “Together, we can offer clients a higher level of service and deliver end-to-end solutions that help them address today’s business challenges like securing remote work and maintaining business continuity.”
Core BTS was in 2018 acquired by Tailwind Capital, which focuses on IT, business, and industrial services firms, as well as healthcare companies. Backed by Tailwind, Core BTS in March 2019 acquired the Microsoft business unit of LA-based IT consultancy SADA Systems.
Tailwind will continue to support “an aggressive acquisition plan” for Core BTS, according to the press release.