LevelBlue, a global leader in AI-powered, cloud-based managed security services (MSS), has announced a definitive agreement to acquire Trustwave, a renowned cybersecurity and managed detection and response (MDR) provider. Trustwave is currently owned by MC² Security Fund, a private equity firm backed by The Chertoff Group, an internationally recognized security and risk management consultancy.
This acquisition marks a major step in LevelBlue’s strategic growth plan, following its recent agreement to acquire the cybersecurity consulting arm of Aon, previously Stroz Friedberg. The integration of Trustwave enhances LevelBlue’s ability to deliver end-to-end, AI-driven cybersecurity solutions across industries and sectors. By uniting two powerhouse MSSPs, this move will create the largest independent, specialized MSSP globally—positioned to tackle today’s complex and evolving threat landscape with unmatched expertise and reach.
The combination will leverage LevelBlue’s advanced strategic risk management capabilities alongside Trustwave’s cloud-native MDR services and the robust Fusion platform, which provides continuous, 24/7 threat protection for organizations worldwide. This integration empowers clients with greater control, visibility, and agility in managing cybersecurity across hybrid, cloud, and on-premises environments. The merged platforms will be reinforced by LevelBlue’s AI-enhanced threat detection technology and Trustwave’s acclaimed SpiderLabs for proactive threat hunting and cyber intelligence.
Trustwave recently made industry headlines by becoming the first dedicated MDR provider to earn full FedRAMP authorization—a prestigious certification complemented by its StateRAMP accreditation. These certifications enable LevelBlue to meet the rigorous Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) requirements set by the U.S. Department of Defense, unlocking opportunities in federal, state, and local government sectors.
“The acquisition of Trustwave represents a pivotal moment for LevelBlue and the cybersecurity industry as a whole,” said Robert McCullen, CEO of LevelBlue. “Trustwave’s extensive expertise in managed detection and response services, combined with its unparalleled threat intelligence from SpiderLabs and mission-critical FedRAMP and StateRAMP authorizations, aligns perfectly with our vision of delivering simplified and powerful cybersecurity protection to enterprises. This strategic move demonstrates our commitment to delivering better cybersecurity outcomes for our customers and strengthens our go-to-market capabilities globally, as well as in the U.S. federal, state, and local markets.”
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“We are excited to partner with LevelBlue to drive our next phase of growth and deliver even more value to our customers in cybersecurity,” said Eric Harmon, CEO of Trustwave. “The threat landscape continues to evolve at an ever-increasing pace. This agreement reinforces Trustwave’s market leadership and, together with LevelBlue, positions us to further strengthen our leadership position, strengthen our portfolio of security solutions (offensive and defensive), and drive innovation to better protect and secure our customers against disruptive and harmful cyber threats.”
Headquartered in Chicago, Trustwave employs over 1,000 cybersecurity professionals and is consistently recognized by industry analysts for leadership in MDR, MSS, cybersecurity consulting, penetration testing, database security, and email security. Its elite SpiderLabs team delivers cutting-edge threat research, detection, and intelligence, all tightly integrated across the company’s security offerings to help clients build long-term cyber resilience.
“The combination of two historical leaders in MSS and MDR services is a testament to market maturity and consolidation, but also a significant opportunity,” said Christina Richmond, Principal Analyst at Richmond Advisory Group. “Trustwave’s SpiderLabs team and Fusion platform, integrated with LevelBlue’s threat intelligence and machine learning capabilities, with support from OTX (Open Threat Exchange), will enhance threat detection and response on a cloud-based platform. This, coupled with the recent acquisition of Aon’s Cybersecurity and IP Litigation Consulting Groups, paves the way for a global, full-service cybersecurity and risk management firm.”
“Our alliance with LevelBlue ushers in an exciting new chapter for Trustwave and our customers,” said Chad Sweet, President of Trustwave and co-founder of The Chertoff Group / MC². “The combination of LevelBlue’s AI-driven threat detection and Trustwave’s FedRAMP and StateRAMP certified Fusion Intelligent Security Operations Platform delivers industry-leading cybersecurity for enterprise and government customers.”
This acquisition forms a critical part of LevelBlue’s broader vision to consolidate industry-leading cybersecurity capabilities and deliver scalable, integrated managed services tailored to modern enterprise needs. It further enhances LevelBlue’s ability to serve as a comprehensive security partner for commercial and government organizations worldwide.
“The FedRAMP and StateRAMP certified managed detection and response capabilities represent an exciting expansion of LevelBlue’s managed security services,” added Shawn Hakl, Head of Commercial Products at AT&T. “This merger positions LevelBlue as a strategic cybersecurity services provider within the AT&T portfolio, particularly for our prestigious federal customers.”
