Straight Talk on IT Mergers & Acquisitions
Welcome to Cogent Conversations, hosted by Rick Murphy, CEO and founder of Cogent Growth Partners. In this series, we cut through the noise to deliver no-fluff, no-BS insights into the world of IT M&A.
Whether you are looking to scale your firm or prepare for an exit, we explore what actually works, what doesn't, and the specific steps required to build a business that buyers truly want. Join us for clarity, expert strategy, and a little bit of fun along the way.
www.youtube.com/@CogentConversations (http://www.youtube.com/@CogentConversations)
💼 Selling an MSP is about far more than accepting the highest valuation. In this episode of Cogent Conversations, Ramsey Sahyoun joins Joe and Rick for an inside look at MSP mergers and acquisitions—from the first conversation with a buyer to signing a letter of intent and completing due diligence. Why should MSP owners begin talking with potential acquirers years before they plan to sell? Ramsey explains why these conversations create no immediate obligation and often take three or four year...
14 Oct 2026
#24 🏦 MSP Loan Covenants Explained Simply
🏦 What happens when an MSP violates a loan covenant—and should borrowers be afraid? In this episode of Cogent Conversations, Joe Pannone and Rick Murphy continue their discussion with Nick Padlo of Live Oak Bank about MSP loan covenants, debt-service coverage ratios, acquisition financing, and responsible deal structure. Nick explains the borrower-friendly features of SBA financing and why conventional loans commonly include financial covenants. He breaks down the debt-service coverage ratio,...
7 Oct 2026
#23 🏦 Bank Financing vs. Private Equity for MSPs
🏦 Should you finance your next MSP acquisition with a bank—or surrender equity to private investors? In this episode of Cogent Conversations, Joe Pannone and Rick Murphy speak with Nick Padlo of Live Oak Bank about MSP acquisition financing, SBA loans, conventional lending, and private equity alternatives. Nick explains how bank financing can help MSP owners preserve ownership while using leverage to acquire businesses, increase EBITDA, and prepare for a future liquidity event. The conversati...
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