Node4 acquires Microsoft Azure Expert MSP risual

Acquisition of Microsoft partner adds 170 staff to Node4

Node4 has acquired Microsoft Azure Expert MSP risual as the firm continues to grow its business across Microsoft's cloud platforms.

Based in the UK, risual claims to hold 15 Gold-level Microsoft competencies and nine out of 18 Microsoft Advanced Specialisations.

With 170 staff, risual is one of few Azure Expert MSP in the UK and one of only 79 globally.

Derby-based midmarket MSP Node4 claims that the acquisition will add skills, experience and revenue to its managed services business, bolster its focus across Microsoft's three cloud platforms and grow its customer base of public and private sector clients.

Risual is a supplier for public sector and IT service frameworks including the Crown Commercial Service (CCS).

Node4 says it will create a Microsoft Centre of Excellence through the acquisition.

The business' co-founders Alun Rogers and Rich Proud will stay on to run the business and Node4 will "invest in growth" for the years ahead.

It marks the second acquisition for Node4 in less than a year, having previously made its largest-ever acquisition in the shape of Microsoft Dynamics 365 partner TNP.

Node4 was acquired by Providence Equity Partners in March 2021.

Commenting on the acquisition, Node4 CEO Andrew Gilbert said: "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."

Alun Rogers, Co-Founder at risual, said: "Joining the Node4 team is an extremely exciting step for risual, and their excellent reputation was a decisive factor in our decision to take risual into the group. Node4's exceptional service as standard, as well as their culture and commitment to providing strategic input and honest direction, is in perfect harmony with risual's core values of honesty, openness, and trust."