Evergreen acquires Blackbird IT to expand its ANZ footprint

Evergreen has acquired South Australian managed IT services provider Blackbird IT, expanding its portfolio in Australia and New Zealand.

The addition of Blackbird IT brings Evergreen's number of independent operating companies to over 100, with Blackbird IT joining recently acquired firms REDD in Brisbane, CT Group in Perth, and Lancom Technology in Auckland. The financial terms of the transaction have not been disclosed.

Blackbird IT, originally founded as LeetGeek in 2007, has grown significantly since its inception as an Apple integration consultancy. Over time, it has developed into a managed IT services provider serving a wide range of professional services firms, compliance-focused organisations, and Apple-centric clients. In 2016, the business rebranded as Blackbird IT in a move reflecting its continued commitment to professionalism while maintaining its original values.

The company has achieved several industry recognitions, including being named a CRN Fast 50 Winner, listed on the BRW Fast 100 as the top South Australian company, receiving multiple top three placements on the InBusiness Fast 50, and earning the title of Sophos MSP Partner of the Year.

Market growth

This acquisition comes at a time of continued growth for the Australian managed service provider (MSP) sector. The market is projected to reach approximately USD $4.3 billion by 2032, driven largely by demand for cloud, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity solutions.

Richard Stafford, Founder of Blackbird IT, stated that the company had received multiple acquisition offers in recent years but sought a partner whose values closely aligned with its own approach to business and culture.

"Ben and I always said there's no way we'd sell to private equity since most models revolve around profit at the expense of people and culture. Basically, I was looking for a reason not to do a deal with Evergreen, and frankly, I couldn't find one, and I tried hard! Their decentralized model lets our brand, culture, and team remain exactly as they are. It's the perfect outcome for us."

Stafford also shared further perspective on the process and the partnership with Evergreen:

"We greatly appreciate Evergreen's patience, professionalism, and understanding throughout the process. They helped us solve strategic challenges, not just with capital but with their enterprise's expertise and global resources. This partnership isn't an exit for Blackbird IT; it's an opportunity to accelerate growth on our own terms."

Leadership transition

As part of the transition, Ben Corbett, who has been with Blackbird IT since 2009, will assume the role of Chief Executive Officer. The company will continue to operate independently under its current brand as part of Lyra Technology Group, an Evergreen operating company. Blackbird IT will gain access to Lyra's resources while maintaining its local focus in South Australia.

Craig Fulton, M&A Advisor at Evergreen, remarked on the qualities that made Blackbird IT a compelling addition to the group:

"I met Richard and Ben in early 2024 and immediately recognized the strength of the business they had built. They've established themselves as leaders within the Adelaide community, and Richard's deep involvement in the MSP space made it clear that their team would be an excellent cultural fit for us."

Elliott Hyman, Chief Executive Officer at Lyra Technology Group, expressed his views on the partnership:

"We're so grateful that Richard, Ben, and the Blackbird team chose us as their long-term partner. Blackbird's dedication to their clients and exceptionally strong culture were evident from our first interaction, and we look forward to partnering with them to nurture and grow that legacy under Ben's leadership for the years to come."

Blackbird IT will continue to offer managed IT services, cybersecurity, cloud infrastructure, and Apple integration to clients across South Australia and beyond, maintaining its reputation for culture and client service as the company embarks on its next stage of growth within Evergreen's global family.