HRMS Solutions and ATS merge to create UKG service partner Ascend

HRMS Solutions (HRMS) and ATS Management Consulting (ATS) have announced their strategic merger, culminating in the formation of Ascend, Inc., poised to become one of the largest exclusive UKG service partners in North America. This merger combines over 110 certified consultants and manages more than 300 active projects, significantly expanding their capabilities and establishing Ascend as a key player in the UKG partner ecosystem.

Unified Expertise and Enhanced Service Offerings

The new entity, Ascend, represents a consolidation of expertise and resources, aiming to provide comprehensive and award-winning services across the entire UKG Pro suite for mid-market and enterprise organizations. Lou Sylaj, CEO of Ascend, highlighted the merger’s strategic advantage: “By combining our strengths, we can now offer all-inclusive services across the entire UKG Pro suite for mid-market and enterprise organizations, providing a dependably exceptional experience for UKG customers at all stages of their engagement.”

Leadership Vision and Operational Synergy

Mike Maiorino, COO and president of Ascend, emphasized the enhanced service capabilities resulting from the merger: “By uniting under Ascend, we now have an even larger pool of talent, expertise, and project management resources to provide outstanding service to even more UKG prospects and customers. Ascend’s deeper practical, functional, and technical expertise will expand future services to offer greater value.”

Commitment to Culture and Employee Well-being

Both HRMS and ATS are known for their people-centric cultures, prioritizing employee well-being over profits—a principle that has earned them recognition from Great Place To Work and Top Workplaces-Denver for several consecutive years. Ascend intends to continue this tradition by fostering a culture of ownership and maintaining a customer-centric approach, ensuring that every UKG project implementation maximizes the user experience.

Impact on the Industry

This merger is expected to significantly influence the landscape of HR technology services by combining deep industry knowledge with innovative UKG solutions. Ascend’s commitment to quality and customer satisfaction positions it to lead in the North American market, providing scalable solutions that meet the evolving needs of businesses in various sectors.