Key Takeaways

  • Convergence Networks has acquired Certinet Systems to deepen its regional presence and compliance capabilities
  • The deal enhances support for organizations in regulated sectors including the Defense Industrial Base
  • Certinet Systems will retain local leadership while gaining access to broader cybersecurity and automation resources

Convergence Networks is making another strategic move in the managed services landscape, this time bringing Certinet Systems into its portfolio. The acquisition, announced March 25, 2026, reflects the company's continued push to expand across the Pacific Northwest and bolster its cybersecurity and compliance expertise. It is an interesting moment for MSPs that operate in regions with a mix of rural and urban clients, especially as more of those clients face heightened regulatory pressure.

The deal unites two service providers that have long emphasized a people-first approach to technology. Certinet Systems, founded by Bryant Kyger and based in Yakima, has operated with a focus on reliability and close customer relationships. Its footprint in Central and Eastern Washington gives Convergence Networks more depth in regions where localized service has historically mattered. There is something to be said for that kind of presence, particularly when supporting organizations tied to government or defense supply chains.

At the core of this acquisition is a growing demand for secure, compliant, and resilient IT environments. Organizations in sectors such as manufacturing, local government, and the Defense Industrial Base are navigating tightening regulations and rising cyber threats. Against that backdrop, Convergence Networks has already invested heavily in cybersecurity and compliance services, including the development of its Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification practice. This acquisition fits cleanly into that strategy because Certinet Systems has years of experience serving clients that work directly in or adjacent to these regulated industries, adding both operational relevance and credibility.

According to Chris Remy, CEO of Convergence Networks, the alignment between the two companies came down to shared values around service quality and local leadership. His view reflects a broader trend where MSPs are looking for growth, but not at the expense of community-focused service. On the other side of the deal, Kyger emphasized that joining Convergence Networks allows Certinet Systems to continue serving its region while giving clients access to deeper cybersecurity and compliance resources. It is a familiar rationale in consolidation scenarios, yet in this case the regional continuity appears to be a central part of the plan rather than an afterthought.

For clients that have relied on Certinet Systems' hands-on approach, the promise of unchanged local leadership is likely to matter more than any operational integration. Certinet Systems will continue to operate with its local structure intact, and Kyger will stay on in a regional leadership role within Convergence Networks. That detail alone provides a measure of stability during a period when many organizations are rethinking their IT strategies.

What changes for clients, then? Several immediate shifts are expected. They will gain access to expanded security and compliance support, deeper vendor partnerships, and enhanced after-hours services. Convergence Networks also plans to bring its automation and operational platforms into the region. The company's Client Portal, for example, is designed to offer more transparency and centralized management of IT services. For businesses juggling audits, security controls, and day-to-day operations, these tools can reduce friction.

This acquisition also signals an investment in regional infrastructure. Convergence Networks has been operating across both the United States and Canada for more than 25 years. Its emphasis on cybersecurity, cloud, and modern workplace solutions has made it a significant player in regulated markets. Bringing Certinet Systems into the organization extends that influence further into Washington, where the demand for managed cybersecurity and compliance services continues to rise. For context on industry trends, the importance of compliance frameworks has accelerated in recent years, as highlighted by guidance from the US Department of Defense regarding CMMC requirements, which underscores why MSPs are leaning into specialized compliance practices.

Another point worth considering is how private equity continues to shape the MSP ecosystem. Riverside Partners, which focuses on growth-oriented technology and healthcare companies, is noted as an affiliated investor with total capital commitments of $1.6 billion. Its involvement signals that the growth trajectory for Convergence Networks is unlikely to slow. Private equity interest in MSPs has increased in recent years due to the recurring revenue model and rising demand for cybersecurity services, a trend documented in industry analyses from sources such as Bain's technology sector research, which outlines the consolidation patterns in managed services.

All told, the integration of Certinet Systems into Convergence Networks reflects both regional strategy and the evolving realities of IT service delivery. Some industry watchers might wonder whether more acquisitions will follow as regulatory expectations continue to expand. For now, this move positions Convergence Networks to offer broader capabilities while keeping local roots intact, and that blend is becoming more valuable as organizations look for both expertise and familiarity in their technology partners.