LevelBlue to acquire Aon’s cyber consulting teams in global deal

LevelBlue has reached a definitive agreement to acquire Aon's Cybersecurity and Intellectual Property Litigation consulting groups, including the well-established Stroz Friedberg and Elysium Digital teams.

This transaction will see more than 300 technology professionals join LevelBlue, bolstering its cyber risk and incident response capabilities on a global scale. These teams currently provide services to Fortune 500 companies, 80% of the Am Law 100, and most of the top 20 UK law firms. The acquisition positions LevelBlue as the largest independent pure play Managed Security Services Provider (MSSP) worldwide.

Consulting capabilities

The addition of Aon's Cybersecurity and IP Litigation consulting groups brings specialised expertise in cybersecurity risk management and technology-related intellectual property litigation to LevelBlue's existing operations. These capabilities will now complement LevelBlue's 24/7 managed detection and response services, creating a broader offering that spans pre-emptive protection, digital risk management, and comprehensive incident response.

"Cyber resilience is crucial for organisations of all sizes," said Robert McCullen, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of LevelBlue. "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. Together, we're helping organisations stay ahead of emerging threats and recover with greater speed and confidence."

David Yaches, Chief Executive Officer of Cyber Solutions Security Consulting at Aon, commented on the agreement: "We are thrilled to join forces with LevelBlue. 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."

Maintaining core services

Aon will continue to provide cyber brokerage services via its Cyber Solutions group, CyQu platform, and Cyber Risk Analyzer, focusing on serving a wide range of client risk and broking needs globally. The company's Cybersecurity consulting segment has been recognised in the 2024 Forrester Wave for Cybersecurity Incident Response Services, particularly for its coverage of adversary simulation, penetration testing, incident response planning, breach response, and digital forensics.

"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," said Mike Troiano, LevelBlue Board Member and Head of AT&T Business Products. "We expect this acquisition to significantly enhance the strategic cybersecurity services delivered globally by LevelBlue to AT&T's government and enterprise customers."

LevelBlue and Aon will also establish a strategic collaboration as part of the agreement, allowing both companies to offer combined and complementary services to their respective clients. This partnership is intended to provide holistic cybersecurity support, integrating managed services and consulting expertise to address the evolving cyber threat landscape.

Christian Hoffman, Global Specialty and Financial Products Leader at Aon, added: "Cyber remains a top risk category for our clients. 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."

The consulting teams from Aon are known for assisting clients with strengthening their operational readiness, protecting digital assets, and reducing the impact of cyber incidents, using a mix of technical know-how and established methodologies. Their track record has made them a choice partner for organisations looking to accelerate recovery in the event of a cyber event.

Market perspective

Christina Richmond, Principal Analyst at Richmond Advisory Group, shared her view on the acquisition: "This is a highly strategic acquisition for the cybersecurity services market. 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 organisation is now better positioned to proactively enhance organisational resilience. The strategic relationship with Aon bolsters LevelBlue's posture with cyber insurers and adds highly complementary risk analysis and advisory services."

Santander is acting as financial advisor and Kirkland & Ellis as legal advisor to LevelBlue, while Lazard and Latham & Watkins are advising Aon for this transaction. Financial terms have not been disclosed, and the deal remains subject to standard closing conditions.