💼 What separates a business that sells from one that gets overlooked?

In this episode of Cogent Conversations, we break down the realities of IT mergers and acquisitions—what actually drives valuation, what buyers look for, and where most MSPs get it wrong.

Rick Murphy shares direct insights from closing over 200 IT deals, challenging common assumptions around “exit strategy” and replacing it with a more practical concept: liquidity strategy. If you think you’ll “figure it out later,” this conversation will force a rethink.

⚠️ Many MSPs rely on referrals, skip contracts, and assume loyalty equals value. In reality, that introduces risk—and risk reduces purchase price.

This episode focuses on building a company that is operationally sound, transferable, and attractive to buyers—even if you’re not planning to sell today.

🔑 Top 3 Highlights

✔️ Run your business like you’re selling tomorrow

✔️ No contracts = higher risk = lower valuation

✔️ “Exit strategy” is the wrong mindset—think liquidity

📊 Whether you're growing, acquiring, or considering a future sale, this episode provides a clear lens into how buyers evaluate your business.

---

🔷 About Cogent Conversations

Cogent Conversations is a straight-talk podcast focused on IT mergers and acquisitions for Managed Service Providers (MSPs) and technology services firms.

Hosted by Rick Murphy, CEO of Cogent Growth Partners, the show dives deep into the realities of MSP growth, valuation, acquisition strategy, leadership transitions, and exit planning. 💼📈

This is not theory. It’s practical, real-world insight from years of buy-side and sell-side experience in the IT services space.

Whether you're:

✔️ Scaling your MSP

✔️ Preparing for a future exit

✔️ Exploring mergers or acquisitions

✔️ Looking to increase EBITDA and enterprise value

Cogent Conversations delivers clarity on what buyers actually look for — and how to run your business today so you’re ready tomorrow.

If you’re serious about growth, valuation, and long-term strategy in the MSP industry, this podcast belongs in your regular rotation.

🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfQZUgOM_11e6AHcS-dlqYg

🌐 Web: https://cogentmergers.com/

🔗 Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cogent-growth-partners-llc/

👤 Rick Murphy LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ramurph/

#CogentConversations #MSP #MSPMergers #SellYourMSP #ITMergers #ITAcquisition #ManagedServiceProvider #MSPValuation #EBITDA #ExitStrategy #BusinessGrowth #TechEntrepreneur #PrivateEquity #ChannelPartners #ITLeadership #MSPGrowth #SuccessionPlanning #TechMergers #JoeyPinz