The ITG Partnership Story
A Shared Vision and A Partnership for Growth
Recognized as one of the Top 200 MSPs worldwide, ITG is an Upstate New York–based Managed Service Provider (MSP). Since its founding in 2001, ITG has built a top-tier team of IT professionals. With an average of 15 years of technical experience, the engineering team enables ITG to serve as a true full‑service partner for customers’ IT needs. When founder Mike Collins was exploring M&A options, he was looking for a partner who would share his vision and enthusiasm for growth of the ITG brand. To achieve his goal, Mike chose AYCE.
Q&A with Mike, ITG Founder
1. How did your business start and what’s the history of your business?siness?
ITG was founded in 2001. Our focus was to provide a high level of support that was efficient and affordable, but most importantly, proactive. Our philosophy was to provide a positive experience while establishing a trustworthy business partnership with our clients. Although reactive issues are part of the MSP environment, it was our goal to significantly reduce those reactive issues that result in business downtime. The days of putting out fires are over, if you want to come to work and put out fires during your shift, look for a job with the local Fire Department. This approach allowed us to grow and establish long‑standing business relationships.
2. What drew you to working with AYCE?
When ITG decided to explore the M&A option, we did so with one focus: growth. We entertained numerous M&A and private equity offers but rejected all of them. We felt the interested groups were generous and appreciated what we brought to the table; however, they did not fully embrace the growth of the ITG brand. I will admit, the M&A process had become a frustrating and exhausting experience, and I was on the verge of pulling the company off the market. AYCE came into the picture at this point and, through several meetings and conversations, proved to me that they are honest, fair, and most importantly, interested in ITG’s vision. As we continued to communicate and review options involving strategies for growth and success, it was no longer a “merger or acquisition” but a “Partnership”.
3. How was your transition experience with AYCE?
I imagine every transition experiences hurdles; however, any obstacles that were encountered were quickly resolved through prompt attention and honest communication. AYCE made a dedicated effort to ensure a smooth transition, which in return reinforced to me and all ITG employees that this was an opportunity for growth and the decision to partner with AYCE was the right one.
4. What’s one thing you’d tell yourself before this process started?
Before the process began, understanding that business growth and success are associated with time and the correct process. Realizing the value of a true partner that shares the same vision and approach makes the process smoother and the goals more obtainable.
5. What has AYCE done to help you grow?
AYCE hit the ground running. The opportunity to collaborate and have strategic “round‑table” discussions with the AYCE team and other MSP leaders is invaluable. ITG’s past growth has primarily been organic with little to no sales or marketing strategy. Within the first three months with AYCE, we hired a full‑time business development manager and developed a sales and marketing strategy that I believe in. Having a partner that is experienced in the M&A industry has provided additional opportunities, as we have recently discussed and explored adding additional MSPs to ITG.
6. How is your working relationship with AYCE?
Excellent. For someone who has been the sole decision‑maker for 20 years, it is refreshing to have a business relationship with a team that fully supports thoughtful, strategic business decisions while maintaining service quality and success. Celebrating more wins with a team is much more enjoyable than celebrating alone!
Looking Ahead
Sustainable growth is the focus. ITG already had a strong team and deep client relationships, and we now support the sales and marketing strategy needed to bring the ITG brand to more customers. With AYCE’s support, ITG has added dedicated business development resources, strengthened its go‑to‑market approach, and gained access to collaborative strategic discussions with other MSP leaders. Together, we’re exploring new opportunities, including potential MSP acquisitions, while preserving the proactive mindset and service quality that set ITG apart. What began as a search for an M&A partner has become a true partnership built on shared vision, trust, and a commitment to long‑term success.
