Citing unnamed sources, CRN is reporting that ConnectWise is on the sales block with a likely sale to another private equity firm. ChannelE2E has heard similar whispers.
No Big Surprise
ConnectWise’s potential sale is not a big surprise to anyone who has followed the company for a long time. ConnectWise was acquired by private equity firm Thoma Bravo in February 2019 for $1.5 billion, and every private equity entrance needs to also have an exit strategy. It was just a matter of time before Thoma Bravo sought that exit.
The big question would have been whether ConnectWise would seek an IPO — an idea that it had explored previously — or another private equity sale. About a month ago, the buzz in the market seemed to indicate the company was testing the waters for an IPO. However, now the company seems to be talking to private equity about a sale.
The name that keeps surfacing right now is Bain Capital. ConnectWise has not yet responded to our requests to confirm or deny the company’s negotiations.
