Atlanta, GA is a thriving tech hub, with businesses increasingly relying on Managed IT Service Providers (MSPs) to support their operations. However, a concerning trend is emerging as large national IT MSPs are rapidly acquiring small to mid-sized regional MSPs across Metro Atlanta. While these deals may appear attractive on paper, they often come at a significant cost to the very businesses that rely on local MSPs for personalized, reliable support.
Why Are National MSPs Targeting Atlanta?
Atlanta is home to a diverse mix of industries, including healthcare, logistics, legal, finance, and professional services, which depend on robust IT infrastructure. This makes the region attractive to larger national MSPs seeking to expand their market share. Smaller, regional MSPs with strong customer relationships and niche expertise are prime acquisition targets.
What Happens After the Acquisition?
🔵 Loss of Personalized Service
One of the biggest advantages of working with a local MSP is the personalized service and strong client relationships. After an acquisition, clients often find themselves routed through national help desk queues, losing access to the technicians and account managers who understood their unique business needs.
🔵 Longer Response Times
Local MSPs typically boast fast, responsive support—something that often diminishes post-acquisition. National providers may have centralized operations, meaning service requests are handled in a different state, sometimes even a different time zone.
🔵 Increased Costs and Upselling
Many businesses in Atlanta report increased pricing after their MSP is acquired. National providers tend to push bundled services and software packages that may not be necessary, creating unexpected cost increases for small to mid-sized businesses.
🔵 Loss of Local Expertise
Atlanta-based MSPs understand local regulations, vendors, and business climate. When national firms take over, this regional knowledge is often lost, leading to mismatched solutions or compliance oversights.
🔵 Staff Turnover and Culture Shift
Employees from the original MSP may not stay long after an acquisition due to culture clashes or restructuring. This can lead to inconsistent support, decreased morale, and frequent changes in point-of-contact.
Why Staying Local Matters for Atlanta Businesses
For companies in the Atlanta area, partnering with a local or regionally owned MSP means:
🔵 On-site support when needed
🔵 Quick response times
🔵 Dedicated account management
🔵 Custom-tailored IT solutions
🔵 Relationships built on trust and accountability
🔵 Protecting Your IT Investment
If your current MSP was recently acquired, or you suspect changes are coming, here are a few proactive steps you can take:
Review your current service-level agreements (SLAs)
Ask questions about staff retention and future service plans
Research other local Atlanta MSPs that may better align with your business needs
Don’t wait until service quality declines—be proactive
Conclusion
The Atlanta IT landscape is changing rapidly, but bigger isn’t always better. As large national MSPs continue acquiring local providers, businesses must be vigilant to avoid getting lost in the shuffle. Choosing a trusted, locally owned MSP can make all the difference in keeping your business secure, agile, and supported.
Looking for a Local Atlanta MSP That Still Believes in Personalized Support?
Contact Century Solutions Group today to see how our 30-year-old Atlanta-based team can provide the tailored IT support your business deserves.