CDW’s $525M Acquisition Of Databricks-Backed Lovelytics Takes Aim At Data Roadblocks Slowing AI

CDW’s planned $525 million acquisition of Databricks partner Lovelytics gives the solution provider a deeper data and AI services bench as customers look to turn fragmented data into measurable business outcomes for their increasing use of AI.

CDW this week unveiled plans to acquire Lovelytics, a close Databricks channel partner, as a way to improve its ability to transform data for customers’ growing use of AI.

The acquisition, which is valued at about $525 million, is slated to close some time this month.

Arlington, Virginia-based Lovelytics offers a wide range of services around data migration, data governance, data engineering, and data visualization. The company also has deep experience in generative AI, machine learning, machine learning operations (MLOps), and LLM operations (LLMOps).

Founded in 2017, Lovelytics claims to be the first consulting partner backed by Databricks Ventures. The company was also backed by Interlock Equity.

Christine Leahy, chair and CEO of CDW, ranked No. 5 on CRN’s 2026 Solution Provider 500, emphasized in a prepared statement the importance of data to the Vernon Hills, Illinois-based solution provider’s customers.

"There is no AI strategy without a data strategy,” Leahy said. “As our customers move from AI pilots to execution, that journey runs directly through their data. Together, Lovelytics and CDW will help organizations turn data into a strategic asset, accelerating AI adoption, improving decisions and driving stronger business and mission outcomes."

CDW executives were unavailable to provide further information about the acquisition. However, a company spokesperson told CRN that data is one of the biggest barriers organizations face when trying to turn their AI investments into real business outcomes.

“We really see data as the tip of the spear for AI adoption and impact,” the spokesperson said. “Lovelytics is one of the leaders in this space, and they have a fantastic business around data and AI services with deep advisory implementation and delivery capabilities. That was one of the big factors driving the acquisition.”

The spokesperson was unable to provide any details regarding integration plans for Lovelytics, given that the acquisition is not yet closed. The spokesperson said Lovelytics has around 600 employees, including employees in the U.S., Canada, Argentina, and Colombia.

AI and the data management around AI are top of mind for many of CDW’s customers, the spokesperson said.

“What we’re really seeing is customers want to move from sort of just implementation to how do you really get business impact,” the spokesperson said.