LevelBlue Expands Cybersecurity Leadership with Acquisition of Aon’s Cybersecurity and IP Litigation Consulting Groups
In a landmark move set to redefine the cybersecurity landscape, LevelBlue, a global leader in cloud-based, AI-driven managed security services, has completed its acquisition of Aon’s (NYSE: AON) Cybersecurity and Intellectual Property (IP) Litigation consulting groups. This includes the highly regarded cybersecurity firm Stroz Friedberg and Elysium Digital. The newly acquired consulting group will operate under the name Stroz Friedberg, a LevelBlue company, marking a significant step in LevelBlue’s mission to become the world’s largest independent, pure-play Managed Security Services Provider (MSSP).
This strategic acquisition enhances LevelBlue’s portfolio by integrating elite cyber and high-tech IP litigation consulting expertise. The deal brings together a globally recognized team of approximately 300 technology professionals with deep-rooted relationships across Fortune 500 companies, 80% of the Am Law 100, and most of the UK’s top 20 law firms. By incorporating Stroz Friedberg’s specialized capabilities, LevelBlue is poised to significantly bolster its incident response and advisory services while expanding its influence within the legal sector.
The acquisition also represents a pivotal moment in redefining how cybersecurity services are delivered. LevelBlue is merging Stroz Friedberg’s expert consulting with its own 24/7 managed detection and response (MDR) services. This integration leverages real-time threat data gathered from incident response engagements, feeding machine learning algorithms to continuously identify new threat indicators. The result is an advanced system capable of auto-detecting and auto-responding to threats with unprecedented speed and precision. This unified, AI-driven approach not only strengthens LevelBlue’s ability to protect against digital threats but also ensures rapid and effective incident management, setting a new benchmark for cyber resilience.
“The completion of this acquisition positions LevelBlue to deliver unparalleled breadth and depth of cybersecurity services on a global scale,” said Robert McCullen, Chairman and CEO of LevelBlue. “By combining Stroz Friedberg’s world-class consulting expertise with our AI-powered managed security services, we are empowering organizations to proactively manage digital risks and respond to incidents faster and more effectively than ever before. Together, we are raising the bar for cybersecurity standards across industries.”
The collaboration between Aon and LevelBlue is expected to yield comprehensive cybersecurity solutions for clients. As part of this partnership, Aon will continue to provide leading cyber brokerage capabilities through its Cyber Solutions group, CyQu platform, and Cyber Risk Analyzer. At the same time, Aon will deepen its collaboration with LevelBlue to enhance clients’ protection and resilience in an increasingly complex threat environment.
“Cybersecurity challenges are becoming more intricate and urgent for our clients, necessitating integrated and adaptive solutions,” said Christian Hoffman, Global Specialty & Financial Products Leader at Aon. “Through our ongoing partnership with LevelBlue, we aim to deliver enhanced protection and resilience strategies that address the evolving needs of our clients in this dynamic risk landscape.”
The financial and legal aspects of the transaction were supported by top-tier advisors. Santander served as financial advisor, and Kirkland & Ellis LLP acted as legal counsel to LevelBlue. Meanwhile, Lazard served as financial advisor, and Latham & Watkins LLP provided legal counsel to Aon, ensuring a seamless and strategically sound acquisition process.
This acquisition comes on the heels of another major announcement from LevelBlue: the company’s agreement to acquire Trustwave, a global provider of cybersecurity and MDR services from the MC2 Security Fund (MC2). Together, these acquisitions underscore LevelBlue’s commitment to solidifying its position as the largest independent pure-play MSSP in the industry. The combination of Stroz Friedberg’s consulting prowess, Trustwave’s extensive service offerings, and LevelBlue’s AI-driven platform creates a formidable force in the cybersecurity market.
As cyber threats grow in complexity and frequency, organizations require robust, scalable, and innovative solutions to safeguard their digital assets. LevelBlue’s expanded capabilities, fueled by its recent acquisitions, position the company as a leader in addressing these challenges. By integrating cutting-edge technology, expert consulting, and proactive threat management, LevelBlue is not only enhancing its service offerings but also shaping the future of cybersecurity.
About LevelBlue
We simplify cybersecurity through award-winning managed services, experienced strategic consulting, threat intelligence, and renowned research. Our team is a seamless extension of yours, providing transparency and visibility into security posture and continuously working to strengthen it.
We harness security data from numerous sources and enrich it with artificial intelligence to deliver real-time threat intelligence; this enables more accurate and precise decision making. With a large, always-on global presence, LevelBlue sets the standard for cybersecurity today and tomorrow. We easily and effectively manage risk, so you can focus on your business.
About Aon
Aon plc (NYSE: AON) exists to shape decisions for the better — to protect and enrich the lives of people around the world. Through actionable analytic insight, globally integrated Risk Capital and Human Capital expertise, and locally relevant solutions, our colleagues provide clients in over 120 countries with the clarity and confidence to make better risk and people decisions that protect and grow their businesses.
