Tusker, a full-service technology solutions provider serving customers nationwide, has announced its acquisition of Fortress SRM, a Cleveland-based cybersecurity company. The transaction strengthens Tusker’s cybersecurity capabilities by bringing nearly 50 security professionals into its workforce, adding round-the-clock security monitoring and response services, and establishing Cleveland as the company’s sixth regional hub.
Established in 2018, Fortress SRM supports organizations across Ohio, northern Michigan and Wisconsin through a team of approximately 50 cybersecurity specialists. Its portfolio includes security consulting and advisory services, virtual Chief Information Security Officer (vCISO) support, managed security services, incident response, digital forensics, and a 24/7 Security Operations Center (SOC). The SOC provides continuous threat monitoring, analysis and remediation assistance to help customers respond to evolving cyber risks.
The deal represents another milestone in Tusker’s broader growth strategy, which has transformed the company from a Chicago-based IT hardware distributor into a full-stack technology services provider with more than 400 employees. Following the acquisition, Tusker will operate regional hubs in Chicago, Boston, Green Bay, Duluth, Eau Claire and Cleveland.
This transaction is Tusker’s fifth acquisition since 2017 and its first since the company consolidated its portfolio businesses under the Tusker brand earlier this year. The company expects to pursue additional acquisitions as it works to broaden its geographic presence and expand its range of technology services.
Strengthening the Tusker Platform
The combination brings together complementary capabilities, pairing Fortress SRM’s specialized cybersecurity expertise with Tusker’s broader technology portfolio, established regional presence and customer relationships. Both organizations share a focus on delivering responsive, high-touch service and building long-term customer partnerships.
The acquisition also supports Tusker’s strategy of accelerating the growth of its services business, enabling the company to offer customers a broader and more comprehensive range of technology and cybersecurity solutions.
“Fortress SRM brings exactly the kind of expertise and customer-centered culture that has defined every company we have acquired over the last nine years. This acquisition expands our cybersecurity team and related service capabilities, plants a flag for Tusker in the Ohio Valley, and strengthens our ability to be a trusted technology partner across the customer’s entire IT environment.”
– Matt Zafirovski, CEO of Tusker
The transaction also provides significant benefits to Fortress SRM’s cybersecurity customers.
“Many of our cybersecurity clients want a trusted partner who can support all of their IT needs, from desktops, servers and networks to technology planning, modernization and managed services. Joining forces with Tusker gives them that convenience, along with a larger team and the same personal service they have come to expect from us.”
–Jess Walpole, President of Fortress SRM
Tusker is a mid-market IT solutions company offering a comprehensive range of advisory, professional, managed, and technology lifecycle services. The company emphasizes long-term client relationships, combining deep IT expertise with a personalized approach to service delivery. With a presence across multiple regional hubs, Tusker supports a diverse customer base, from local businesses and organizations to large national brands.
