Selling your MSP isn’t just about valuation — it’s about structure, truth, and preparation.
In this episode of Cogent Conversations, Rick Murphy, CEO of Cogent Growth Partners, breaks down what MSP owners regret most after selling — and how to avoid costly mistakes in deal structure, earnouts, staffing, and due diligence.
With over 200 closed IT services transactions, Rick delivers direct insight into what works, what fails, and why honesty and proper financial structure matter more than ego or movie myths.
🔎 Top 3 Highlights:
💡 Why poorly structured earnouts destroy value
💰 The difference between EBITDA and real free cash flow
👥 The staffing mistake that quietly kills MSP valuations
You’ll also learn:
• Why most buyers aren’t “evil”
• How over-employment reduces sale price
• The 10–15% growth test every MSP owner must answer
• What due diligence really uncovers
If you’re considering growth, acquisition, or eventual exit strategy, this conversation could protect your life’s work.
#MSP #MSPMergers #MSPAcquisition #MSPExit #ITServices #TechMergers #PrivateEquity #MSPGrowth #FreeCashFlow #DueDiligence #Earnout #BusinessExit #ChannelPartners #ITBusiness

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🔷 About Cogent Conversations
Cogent Conversations is a straight-talk podcast focused on IT mergers and acquisitions for Managed Service Providers (MSPs) and technology services firms.
Hosted by Rick Murphy, CEO of Cogent Growth Partners, the show dives deep into the realities of MSP growth, valuation, acquisition strategy, leadership transitions, and exit planning. 💼📈
This is not theory. It’s practical, real-world insight from years of buy-side and sell-side experience in the IT services space.
Whether you're:
✔️ Scaling your MSP
✔️ Preparing for a future exit
✔️ Exploring mergers or acquisitions
✔️ Looking to increase EBITDA and enterprise value
Cogent Conversations delivers clarity on what buyers actually look for — and how to run your business today so you’re ready tomorrow.
If you’re serious about growth, valuation, and long-term strategy in the MSP industry, this podcast belongs in your regular rotation.

🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfQZUgOM_11e6AHcS-dlqYg
🌐 Web: https://cogentmergers.com/
🔗 Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cogent-growth-partners-llc/
👤 Rick Murphy LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ramurph/


#CogentConversations #MSP #MSPMergers #SellYourMSP #ITMergers #ITAcquisition #ManagedServiceProvider #MSPValuation #EBITDA #ExitStrategy #BusinessGrowth #TechEntrepreneur #PrivateEquity #ChannelPartners #ITLeadership #MSPGrowth #SuccessionPlanning #TechMergers #JoeyPinz