First Focus acquires Optimus Systems in New Zealand

First Focus has acquired New Zealand managed IT provider Optimus Systems, expanding its presence in the country's small and medium-sized business market.

Based in Auckland, Optimus also operates in Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin. It provides managed IT, cyber security and compliance services, IT consultancy, and cloud services.

The acquisition adds an established New Zealand business with nationwide operations and customer relationships to First Focus's existing footprint. It follows First Focus's purchase of CNX, which Chief Executive Officer Ross Sardi said was part of the same New Zealand strategy.

Under the new structure, Optimus founder Marek Drummond will remain with the business and lead AI- and automation-led services in New Zealand. Travis Brunton, currently Operations Manager at Optimus Systems, will become General Manager for First Focus in New Zealand.

The Optimus team will continue to support existing customers, who will keep working with the same local teams while gaining access to First Focus services including AI, cyber security, cloud, automation, application development, workplace tools, communications, consulting, and round-the-clock support.

First Focus employs more than 340 staff across Australia and New Zealand and has been building its managed services platform in both markets as demand among smaller business customers evolves.

New Zealand push

Sardi said the Optimus acquisition supports the company's broader expansion plan in New Zealand.

"New Zealand is a key strategic market for First Focus, and our clear intent is to be the country's leading managed AI and IT services provider for SMBs by bringing together world-class capability, strong local delivery and businesses with great people and like-minded clients.

Optimus is exactly that kind of business. It has a highly capable team, like-minded clients and deep expertise in areas that matter more than ever, including cyber security, compliance, cloud and managed services.

SMBs are no longer looking for an MSP that simply keeps the lights on. They increasingly see technology as an investment rather than a cost centre. To turn that investment into real outcomes, they need a partner that understands business, can help them build a secure technology platform and strong data layer, and can drive continual innovation and improvement through AI and automation month after month.

That is the role First Focus is building for in New Zealand. We are excited to welcome the Optimus team and support their clients with the same care they know today, backed by the broader expertise, AI capability and resources of First Focus," Ross Sardi, Chief Executive Officer of First Focus, said.

The deal comes as managed service providers broaden their offerings beyond core IT support into areas such as cyber security, cloud management and AI-related services. For providers serving small and medium-sized businesses, scale has become increasingly important as customers seek a wider mix of technical support, compliance help and ongoing systems management from fewer suppliers.

Optimus also brings an information security certification to the group. It is certified to ISO 27001:2022, a standard for information security management systems.

Founder stays

Drummond said the sale was influenced by rapid changes in the market.

"I chose to sell Optimus because I could see the market changing quickly, especially around AI, automation, cyber security, and the level of scale and structure needed to keep delivering great outcomes for clients.

I wanted to make sure our clients and our team had the best possible platform for the future, and First Focus stood out as the right partner because of its capability, operating model, culture, and the way it supports businesses after acquisition.

What gave me real confidence was that this did not feel like a typical transaction. It felt like a genuine opportunity to strengthen what we have built. For our clients, the immediate message is business as usual, with the same Optimus team continuing to support them, now backed by the broader expertise and resources of First Focus. I'm excited about the opportunities this creates for our clients, our team, and the next stage of the business," Marek Drummond, founder of Optimus Systems, said.

The combination gives First Focus a larger base in New Zealand at a time when competition among managed IT providers is increasingly shaped by consolidation, security demands, and the need to invest in new tools and specialist staff. For Optimus, the transaction keeps its existing leadership involved while moving the business into a larger trans-Tasman group with broader service coverage.