Katalyst buys Bluetowne, its second acquisition in three months
- Katalyst acquired Bluetowne, a cybersecurity, cloud and managed IT provider.
- It is Katalyst’s second acquisition in three months, after Layer27 in July.
- Bluetowne CEO Eric Hartley joins Katalyst to build out vertical practices.
- e4n Group backs Katalyst; their partnership began in May 2026.
NORTH CAROLINA, UNITED STATES — Katalyst, a managed services provider backed by e4n Group, has acquired Bluetowne, a Mount Pleasant, South Carolina-based provider of cybersecurity, cloud, data center, networking and managed IT services.
It is Katalyst’s second acquisition in three months, following Layer27 in July.
Bluetowne adds sector depth
Founded in 2001, Bluetowne brings engineering expertise across cybersecurity, cloud and infrastructure, Katalyst said in a press release on Oct. 26. It has long-standing clients in architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) and in renewable energy, including wind, battery storage and grid.
The deal also expands Katalyst’s presence in the Charleston market.
Hartley joins Katalyst
Eric Hartley, CEO of Bluetowne, joins Katalyst to help drive strategic services and build out vertical practices.
Bluetowne clients will keep working with the team they know, now backed by Katalyst’s wider technical expertise and services.
“For 25 years, we have built lasting client relationships through technical expertise, accountability, and exceptional service,” Hartley said.
Built through buy-and-build
The deal follows the strategy Katalyst and e4n Group share: combine organic growth with disciplined acquisitions that add complementary capabilities and people.
Katalyst says its growth has accelerated since it partnered with e4n Group in May 2026.
“Welcoming Eric and the Bluetowne team is an exciting step forward for Katalyst,” said Luke Johnson, chief executive officer of Katalyst.
He said Bluetowne clients keep the team they know and trust, “and now they have the full resources of Katalyst behind them.”
Investor sees new sectors
“Bluetowne embodies what we look for in a business: strong leadership, outstanding technical talent, and deep client trust,” said Hervé Tessler, co-founder, chairman and CEO of e4n Group.
He said Bluetowne’s expertise in AEC and renewable energy brings an important new dimension to Katalyst.
Aimed at the mid-market
Together, the companies plan to help mid-market businesses in AEC and renewable energy tackle industry-specific technology problems.
They will pair Bluetowne’s sector knowledge with Katalyst’s cybersecurity, cloud, infrastructure and practical AI capabilities.
Katalyst describes itself as a digital operations partner that takes accountability for clients’ hybrid infrastructure, cybersecurity and cloud environments.
What it means for buyers
For mid-market firms in construction, engineering and renewables, the deal puts a sector specialist inside a larger, investor-backed managed services platform, without a change of day-to-day team.
Companies comparing managed services or cybersecurity outsourcing providers can review their options in OA’s ultimate guide to outsourcing.
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