The Challenge
Flourish Research needed to learn from CTT’s IT systems to create its own, while also controlling costs. Flourish Research needed a gameplan that could be repeatable because 4 locations in Florida, and 3 in Chicago were on the docket for acquisition already. Flourish Research required a 30–45-day integration window from time of purchase to integration into all Flourish Research IT systems.
The Solution
NMS Capital, owners of the clinical trials platform, Flourish Research, partnered with Bridgehead IT to develop and implement both a comprehensive IT strategy to support their expansion through acquisitions to meet a required 30–45-day integration window post-close and provide full IT managed support services. Bridgehead provided an end-to-end framework that included cybersecurity, integration cycle of new acquisitions, and centralized systems infrastructure. This led to standardization across the platform, which resulted in significant growth and improved operational efficiency for the portfolio.
The Results
Bridgehead’s end-to-end IT solutions for Flourish added immediate value to pre-close diligence along with immediate EBITDA growth for the portfolio:
- Flourish Research was able to grow from 1 user in 2022 to over 875 with 20 sites in 2025.
- NMS realized their exit strategy with Flourish in less than 3 years.
- Bridgehead IT collaborated with Vonage and Salesforce to create a centralized call center system to support agents across the United States.
- Bridgehead supported all 10 tuck-in acquisitions and 3 de novo sites.
- Due to a clear platform vision from the very beginning, Bridgehead was able to consolidate Flourish’s number of infrastructure systems from 10 to 1.
- As Flourish has scaled, they have realized a 28% reduction in IT operating costs through a standardized platform strategy.
- Bridgehead’s 24X7X365 security operations center de-risked the investment by prioritizing cyber posture and eliminating downtime.
Portfolio companies can benefit from a pre-negotiated tiered pricing structure to streamline integrations and support. All portfolio companies doing business with Bridgehead IT will be able to take advantage of pricing based on total volume of users and devices. Cost control IT is achieved by conforming to standards, allowing for a scalable pricing structure. Private Equity can have peace of mind knowing Bridgehead IT is managing costs, supporting growth, being agile, and increasing margins for the business.
The Technology
Bridgehead IT used a variety of technology solutions to implement its IT integration blueprint, including:
- Microsoft Azure cloud suite
- Microsoft 365 suite of products
- HP workstations
- Cisco networking
- HPE Aruba networking
- Sonicwall Firewalls
