Private equity-backed Integris to acquire First Focus

Integris, a US-based company specialising in managed AI and IT services and backed by the private equity arm of the Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System (OMERS), has announced its intention to acquire Australian MSP First Focus.

The acquisition is expected to extend Integris’ geographic footprint while also advancing the company’s strategic roadmap, including increased access to enhanced cybersecurity and artificial intelligence capabilities.

For the combined group, the acquisition aims to create a stronger platform for continued growth in Australia and New Zealand, including both organic expansion and future acquisitions.

First Focus has itself acquired a number of companies over the past three years, including CNX; Red IT; Tie Networks; Section Group; Enee; and Rock IT.

OMERS Private Equity manages investments globally on behalf of OMERS, one of Canada’s largest defined benefit pension plans, with C$145.2 billion in net assets as of December 31, 2025.

Once completed, the acquisition will make Integris the largest MSP for SMBs worldwide, the company claimed.

First Focus founder Peter Paddon will remain a shareholder in the combined entity, while First Focus CEO Ross Sardi and the existing executive team will continue to lead the business in the ANZ region, while also pursuing its own ongoing acquisition strategy. 

Over time, the combined business is expected to unify its branding under the Integris name.

Rashaad Bajwa, chief executive officer of Integris, said this acquisition represents a "meaningful" step forward in the company's long-term vision to build a global platform MSP focused on the needs of small and midsize businesses.

“As AI rapidly reshapes how organizations operate, scale, and compete, this combination allows us to accelerate our ability to deliver secure, governed AI capabilities globally - while maintaining the high-quality, people-first service our customers expect," he said.

Sardi said that the move is about building a stronger AI-enabled managed services business for the future.

"AI is changing how great service organisations operate, how customers use technology, and where value will be created over the next decade. We believe customers will increasingly want a partner that can help them adopt AI in practical ways, strengthen security, and support them across markets without losing the local relationship that matters every day," he explained.

"For our customers, this means deeper capability, broader support and better outcomes. For our business, it creates a stronger platform for growth in ANZ and gives us the capacity to continue investing in innovation, talent and future acquisitions across the region.

"I will continue to lead the business in ANZ and also take on the role of Chief Innovation Officer for the group, helping accelerate AI capability across the organisation and ensuring we continue to lead in how AI is applied both inside the business and in the services we deliver to customers."

The companies plan to initiate integration planning following the signing of a definitive agreement, with a focus on knowledge sharing, operational alignment, and maintaining continuity for employees and clients.

Founded in 2003, First Focus has grown to nearly 400 staff and now supports more than 800 businesses with managed IT, cybersecurity, cloud, AI, software development, and support services.