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Big Early Moves In 2025 A/NZ Channel Consolidation

Consolidation moves in the A/NZ channel are shaping 2025, including 5G Networks’ pursuit of AUCyber and Atturra’s potential deal with Kitepipe.

Written By: Matthew Sainsbury

Jan 31, 2025

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Major consolidation moves are already shaping the Australian and New Zealand channel landscape in early 2025, with multiple acquisition talks and competing takeover bids highlighting the sector’s dynamic nature.

AUCyber pursuit heats up, then cools as Brennan IT withdraws

The first big acquisition tussle is centered around ASX-listed cyber security company AUCyber. Melbourne-based digital services provider 5G Networks (5GN) has escalated its pursuit of the company, raising its unconditional offer to 13.5 cents per share. This “last and final” offer, closing February 6, follows 5GN’s initial December bid of 11 cents per share, which came amid AUCyber’s challenging trading performance.

5GN’s bid had been complicated by a competing bid from Brennan IT, who entered the fray on December 20 with a higher offer of 14 cents per share, albeit with several conditions attached. In light of both offers, AUCyber’s executive chair, Cathie Reid, advised shareholders to hold their positions while the board evaluated both offers. Originally the guidance had been to reject 5GN’s offer.

AUCyber, meanwhile, had been in due diligence negotiations with Brennan IT, but following 5GN’s new bid, the company has withdrawn its offer, leaving 5GN the only company chasing the acquisition. At the time of writing the AUCyber board has not responded to the new bid.

Atturra poised to continue acquisition strategy

Meanwhile, another ASX-listed services provider, Atturra, has confirmed it is in preliminary discussions with US-based Boomi platinum partner Kitepipe, addressing growing market speculation. The potential deal aligns with Atturra’s aggressive acquisition strategy, which has already seen several successful completions in recent months.

Kitepipe, headquartered in North Carolina with offices across multiple locations including Manila, brings significant expertise in Boomi integrations, boasting over 70 Boomi certifications and a track record in developing training courses for the platform.

The discussions follow a spate of acquisitions spearheaded by Atturra in 2024, including the recent purchase of Aotearoa New Zealand-based Plan B for NZ$20 million, Melbourne’s Chrome Consulting (specializing in SAP and OpenText), manufacturing specialist ComActivity, and consulting firm Exent.

The company emphasized that discussions with Kitepipe remain preliminary, with no guarantee of reaching acceptable terms, however, Atturra was forced to address similar rumours and reports ahead of the previous Plan B acquisition.

These early 2025 moves signal continued consolidation in the A/NZ channel, as companies seek to strengthen their market positions through strategic acquisitions and compete for valuable assets in the region’s dynamic technology sector.

Channel Insider covers the latest M&A news from around the industry. Catch up on US-based and other global acquisitions that were announced in January.

Matthew Sainsbury

Matthew is a Sydney-based multi-disciplinary journalist that has covered IT for 15 years. . In particular, he covers B2B IT and other channel topics in the APAC region. In addition to Channel Insider, Matthew’s work has been published on ARN, where he previously served as the editor, as well as CRN and AFR. On the side, Matthew is an award-winning arts and entertainment critic and author, and he also participates on the judging panel for the Australian IT Journalism Awards.

Big Early Moves In 2025 A/NZ Channel Consolidation

AUCyber pursuit heats up, then cools as Brennan IT withdraws

Atturra poised to continue acquisition strategy

Matthew Sainsbury

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