Autotask and Datto combine to make MSP-focused giant

After mounting speculation, it has been confirmed that Autotask and Datto will be merged into one super-sized company in a move they claim is 'good for the channel'

Vista Equity Partners, the parent company of IT management solutions vendor Autotask, has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Datto.

The deal, for an undisclosed sum has been the subject of mounting speculation, and will combine Datto's backup and disaster recovery solutions with Autotask's IT management portfolio. It is expected to complete this Q4 subject to the customary closing conditions.

Both firms claim the deal will provide ‘significant opportunities' for the channel, creating a single provider able to meet the needs of MSPs and IT service providers from operations through service delivery - including professional services automation (PSA), backup and disaster recovery, networking continuity, file sync and share, and remote monitoring and management (RMM).

The combined company will have around 1,300 employees with offices in nine countries, servicing over 500,000 SMBs through their network of partners in 125 countries.

Brian Sheth, co-founder and president of Vista Equity Partners, said: "We're thrilled to bring together the complementary skills and world-class service of two global market leaders, Autotask and Datto. Over the past three years, we have worked closely with the Autotask team to accelerate growth and expand its Unified Platform. Bringing Autotask together with Datto's impressive talent and deep expertise in backup and networking solutions will take us to the next level and deliver extraordinary tools and services to MSPs worldwide."

Mark Cattini, CEO of Autotask, added: "With the powerful combination of the Autotask Unified PSA-RMM platform and Datto's industry leading business continuity solutions, together we can now deliver unprecedented innovation and unmatched levels of value and service to our customers and partners worldwide.

"This merger marks a natural step in our evolution as we continue to bring more managed service offerings to the channel. We look forward to using our combined scale to do even more to help our customers grow, succeed and increase profitability. We are excited to get going."

Datto founder and CEO Austin McChord, said: ""This unique combination of talent with a track record of success marks a new chapter that will make an even bigger impact for our Managed Service Provider partners, by delivering an unprecedented set of capabilities for them to serve millions of small businesses in the future."

It is understood that combined management team will lead the merged entity, with Datto founder Austin McChord as CEO and Autotask's Cattini acting as a strategic advisor to the board of directors.