This is the first acquisition Ascend has sourced for Mission1st, combining the company’s success in the defense market with Ardent’s deep history in the civilian and homeland security markets into a powerhouse integrated solutions set to serve existing and future clients at the next level.
WASHINGTON, DC (December 7, 2023) Ascend Capital Group is pleased to announce its most recent transaction in the GovCon space. Ascend served as the exclusive buy-side advisor to Mission1st Group, Inc. (“Mission1st”), a service-disabled, veteran-owned business renowned for its exceptional capabilities in the information technology sector, on its acquisition of Ardent Management Consulting (“Ardent”). The strategic combination solidifies Mission1st’s position as a leading force in the industry, combining the strengths and expertise of both organizations to deliver unparalleled value and results to its clients.
“While I am confident in providing highly technical mission-critical solutions in challenging situations, I sought an M&A advisor to guide us on the technicalities of finding and closing a transformative strategic acquisition,” said Mission1st founder and CEO Richard Zareck II. “Ascend’s precise approach, discipline, and rigor perfectly fit what I sought in an advisor. The team found the right partner and managed every aspect of the process on my behalf with minimal disruption to the business. Our partnership with Ardent is transformational in every way, and we are thankful to Ascend for their role in making it happen. The Ascend team completed the deal on an efficient timeline despite the regulatory challenges ever present in transactions between government contractors. I look forward to working with Ascend on future acquisitions as we continue to strategically accelerate our growth and impact.”
Mission1st has more than 20 years of experience supporting multiple federal agencies, including the Department of Defense in the information technology (IT) field as well as serving as an approved and certified Commercial Solutions for Classified (CSfC) Integrator of the National Security Agency (NSA) with three (3) approved Capability Packages. Mission1st’s presence spans the globe from Korea to Southwest Asia, a testament to Mission1st’s expeditionary mindset to provide preeminent services such as engineering and installation (E&I), CSfC solutions, Risk Management Framework (RMF) development, Security Control Assessor-Validation (SCA-V), Defensive Cyber Operations (DCO), Department of Defense Information Network (DODIN), implementation, engineering, networking, monitoring, planning, program management, disaster recovery, web-development, cloud computing, IT base infrastructure, automation, cyber security, computer network defense, and C4IT support to the most difficult regions and environments in the world.
Richard added, “This is an exciting combination that will enhance the delivery capabilities of both organizations. Mission1st has proven solutions developed over two decades serving the Department of Defense in austere environments, while Ardent has a keen focus on analytics and artificial intelligence in the Federal Civilian sector. We plan to introduce our front-line reach to a whole new host of customers with a similar mission-critical focus. Furthermore, introducing Ardent’s analytical abilities to our DoD base will have immediate tactical and strategic benefits to our troops on the ground.”
Ardent boasts more than 17 years of expertise in delivering cloud services, driving digital transformation, harnessing the power of data science and analytics, and leveraging location intelligence for the U.S. Government. One of 36 AWS Consulting Partners in the public sector, Ardent stands at the forefront of innovation, serving numerous agencies with distinction. Some exceptional areas of proficiency encompass a wide array of domains including DevSecOps, AI Solutions, Geospatial Analytics, data collection, 2D & 3D mapping, advanced visualization, database design modeling, and comprehensive geo and tradecraft training.
Ascend Managing Director Eric Parekh commented, “There is a strong emphasis on driving digital transformation in the GovCon sector. Partnering with Ardent strengthens Mission1st’s position as an end-to-end digital services provider for government agencies and demonstrates the company’s strategic vision to become a market leader in the full and open environment. We are proud to be a part of Mission1st’s ongoing efforts to support the U.S. military by expanding its capabilities and creating a more integrated solutions set via a thoughtful acquisition strategy.”
Mission1st is currently pursuing strategic partnerships with GovCon companies with a solid track record of success. Please contact Thien Van Tran at thien@ascendcg.com to learn more.
The transaction was effective June 9, 2023.
