ConnectWise CEO Whiplash: Looking to Buy AutoTask or Not?
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The PSA market is never dull. It's filled with a crowded cast of players constantly flexing their muscles to show dominance in the market. Like this week, when ConnectWise acquired the PSA assets—and customers—of CoreConnex in a long-rumored deal that will allow CoreConnex to focus on its financial dashboard business. The muscle-flexing piece is not the news itself. Instead, it comes in the form of a quote from ConnectWise CEO Arnie Bellini in the press release that ConnectWise put out announcing the deal. It reads: "Despite the most challenging economic times in recent memory, ConnectWise has grown exponentially in the past few quarters. Acquisitions that add to our market share, community, knowledge and support network make good business sense for us at this time," said Arnie Bellini, ConnectWise CEO. "CoreConnex offers technology, business and human resources that will bring value to ConnectWise users and their bottom lines and we will continue to investigate other potential acquisitions, including companies like AutoTask." Is this just a case of the mouth getting ahead of itself? It will be interesting to see what AutoTask CEO Bob GodGart will have to say about the matter. Frankly, it's hard to keep track of all the potential buyouts each one of these players keeps touting in the endless talks about PSA market consolidation. What are you hearing? Do ConnectWise and AutoTask make a good fit? |
Comments (4)
This is RIDICULOUS.
Autotask has NEVER, EVER had any talks with Connectwise about a merger or acquisition and would never consider it if approached by them.
I am shocked and disappointed at the reckless way that Connectwise and their CEO has unprofessionally dragged us into their fantasy.
If this is just "Arnie being Arine" - who would want to do business with them?
Bob Godgart
CEO, Autotask
The undisputed leader for hosted PSA for IT.
Posted by Bob Godgart | September 15, 2009 4:57 PM
I think that Autotask and ConnectWise should merge and that Arnie and Bob should be equal partners. Both would be co-CEOs. If anything it will be incredibly amusing watching these two incredibly oversized egos work together.
LOL!!!
Posted by Ron | September 16, 2009 7:31 AM
Really Bob! Really? Are you shocked? Are you disappointed? At what? I personally think it’s an honor to have your competition mention they would like to acquire companies just like AutoTask. Obviously you have done a few things right. What really makes this so ridiculous? Is there really a need to get all ruffled up about this? I haven’t seen any publications of Arnie stating that he had negotiations with Autotask, he just simply stated he would like to acquire the companies like Autotask. Is it really necessary to put out your last statement "If this is just "Arnie being Arine" - who would want to do business with them?" Really?
Alex Rogers
CEO, CharTec
Much More Than HAAS
Posted by Alex Rogers | September 16, 2009 11:15 AM
Correct, this is Arnie being Arnie...but Manny being Manny is one thing. Arnie being Arnie is quite different. I have always had good relations with Bob and many of the Autotask employees. The purpose of ConnectWise is to make the IT Nation stronger. IT Nation is a term we created at ConnectWise to refer to the entire community of IT Solution providers worldwide.
It's not just about software or about making sure ConnectWise maintains its’ lead in the PSA space. It's about education, community and bringing the resources of the IT Nation together to create synergy for our segment of the channel. We have a 6 million dollar budget to accomplish these goals. I do intend to talk to Bob to see if there is a possibility of joining forces or acquisition. ConnectWise is advancing the IT Solution space quickly and is creating major competitive advantage for our Partners and we welcome Autotask to join in. I think it would be awesome.
Arnie Bellini
CEO, CPA, MBA
ConnectWise.com
Posted by Arnie Bellini | September 17, 2009 8:55 AM