AHEAD Acquires CDI, Creating Digital Platforms Market Leader
Enterprise cloud solutions provider expands into Northeastern U.S., bolsters international presence, and deepens solutions portfolio—creating a $3.7 billion global entity
CHICAGO – February 1, 2024 — AHEAD, a leading authority in data, developer, and infrastructure platforms, today announced the acquisition of CDI, LLC, combining two of the market’s fastest growing digital transformation specialists.
New York City-based CDI brings a deep bench of leadership, engineering talent, and operational excellence to AHEAD’s portfolio, resulting in an organization with more than $3.7 billion in gross revenue and over 2,500 employees across 40 locations globally.
The acquisition adds a strong Northeastern U.S. presence, closing a gap in AHEAD’s already expansive national coverage. The combination also bolsters the company’s presence in India which is now comprised of more than 250 engineers and consultants.
CDI clients will gain access to AHEAD’s advanced capabilities in data and AI platforms, platform engineering, custom IT infrastructure manufacturing, and the HatchTM lifecycle management platform for large data center and complex edge infrastructure deployments. The two companies will also combine mature ServiceNow and Managed Services businesses.
“The significant growth both AHEAD and CDI have driven over several years will snowball with our partnership,” said Daniel Adamany, Founder and CEO of AHEAD. “By focusing our energy together, we’ll provide new growth opportunities for employees, a richer portfolio of solutions for clients, and more value to our partner ecosystem—accelerating our impact on all.”
The two companies have experienced immense growth in recent years, both organically and inorganically. Mutual focus on growth, cohesive cultures, and a shared uncompromising approach to client success were key factors in the decision to combine.
“Together, AHEAD and CDI are a change-agent in the cloud platforms space, uniting the industry’s most innovative technology leaders under a mutual culture of productivity and passion,” said Rich Falcone, CEO and President of CDI. “As I’ve shared with all our CDI team members, it’s not about the logo, it’s about the mission. I have never been more inspired than I am now to deliver unmatched outcomes to our clients and colleagues.”
After 23 years spearheading growth for CDI, Falcone will immediately assume the role of AHEAD President, reporting to Adamany.
In 2022, Berkshire Partners, in continued collaboration with Centerbridge Partners, made an additional investment in AHEAD to become the majority shareholder and leverage its specialist sector experience in technology, business services, and digital infrastructure.
“We’re thrilled that these two great businesses are coming together into one outstanding team,” said Candice Corvetti, Managing Director, Berkshire Partners. “This combination strengthens and accelerates AHEAD’s already best-in-class ability to drive solutions for their clients and partners. We’re excited to support the team and the opportunity.”
About AHEAD
AHEAD engineers digital platforms that power the most successful organizations in the world. Our consultative approach, technical expertise, and innovative solutions combine to accelerate the impact of technology in every client we serve. For more information visit www.ahead.com.
About CDI
CDI is a fearless force in the global technology landscape. Headquartered in New York City, we’ve expanded our network across the United States, Europe, and Asia, proving our expertise is as boundless as our reach. As pioneers in hybrid IT solutions, we merge innovation with unwavering commitment, providing top-tier technology to businesses of all sizes while transforming complex challenges into digital solutions. Visit www.cdillc.com to learn more.
About Berkshire Partners
Berkshire Partners is a 100% employee-owned, multi-sector specialist investor in private and public equity. The firm’s private equity team invests in well-positioned, growing companies across consumer, healthcare, services and industrials, technology and communications, and digital infrastructure. The firm’s public equity group, Stockbridge, founded in 2007, manages a concentrated portfolio seeking attractive long-term investments. The firm’s Stockbridge and Private Equity teams frequently collaborate and leverage their collective industry expertise across sectors. For additional information, visit www.berkshirepartners.com.
About Centerbridge Partners
Centerbridge Partners, L.P. is a private investment management firm employing a flexible approach across investment disciplines — Private Equity, Private Credit and Real Estate — in an effort to develop the most attractive opportunities for our investors. The Firm was founded in 2005 and, as of December 31, 2023, has approximately $38 billion in capital under management with offices in New York and London. Centerbridge is dedicated to partnering with world-class management teams across targeted industry sectors and geographies. For more information, please visit www.centerbridge.com.