In summary
- Software Combined has completed the acquisition of Acendre from US company HireRoad, returning the government talent platform to Australian ownership.
- Acendre serves more than 400,000 users and processes close to two million résumés and hires annually across more than half of Australia's top Commonwealth agencies.
- The deal marks Software Combined's 14th acquisition across Australia, New Zealand and the Benelux, with Acendre's existing team and leadership remaining in place.
Sydney-based acquirer Software Combined has completed the acquisition of Acendre from US company HireRoad, returning the government talent management platform to Australian ownership.
Acendre is a cloud-based platform for government recruitment and onboarding, used by more than half of Australia's top Commonwealth agencies. The platform serves more than 400,000 users and processes close to two million résumés and hires annually, according to the company.
HireRoad divested the ANZ business as part of a refocus on its North American market. Acendre Group chief executiveand the existing team remain in place following the transaction.
Acendre holds IRAP certification to Protected level and ISO 27001 certification, having been evaluated against the Australian Government's Information Security Manual.
Founded in Australia in 1997, it also serves state and local government, utilities and resources organisations where compliant and auditable hiring is a requirement.
"More than half of Australia's Commonwealth agencies have chosen to run on Acendre — not by chance, but because of 25 years of consistent delivery at the highest security standards government demands," said Evert den Hollander, chief executive and co-founder at Software Combined.
"Deep product knowledge, deep relationships, and a team that genuinely cares about their mission. That kind of trust is built slowly. We understand that. We're glad to be their permanent home."
Ackland said the priority through the process was cultural fit.
"We're returning to local leadership, long-term thinking, and a partner that understands what we've built," he said.
"What excites me most is keeping the team together, investing in our product and our people, and delivering a permanent home - not just for Acendre, but for the customers who've trusted us."
Software Combined, founded in 2020, has now completed 14 acquisitions across Australia, New Zealand and the Benelux. Each portfolio company continues to operate independently under its own leadership and brand.
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