Astreya's First Acquisition Targets High-Stakes Regulated IT Markets

SAN JOSE, CA – February 03, 2026 – In a significant move signaling a new phase of strategic growth, AI-first global IT provider Astreya today announced its first-ever business acquisition, entering into a definitive agreement to purchase Reliant Information Services (RIS) from the Reliant Group. The deal marks a deliberate push by Astreya into the complex and lucrative market of IT services for highly regulated industries, with a particular focus on the airline sector.

For Astreya, a company that has built its brand on providing AI-driven managed services for enterprises, this acquisition is more than just an expansion; it's a strategic pivot. By integrating RIS, a trusted partner to Fortune 500 companies known for its expertise in mission-critical and high-compliance environments, Astreya gains deep domain knowledge and a stronger foothold in markets where operational resilience and regulatory adherence are paramount.

A Strategic Leap into Regulated Industries

This acquisition represents a calculated step in Astreya’s long-term growth strategy. While the company has grown organically by managing complex technology environments for large enterprises, the purchase of RIS is a clear indicator of its intent to accelerate growth through targeted mergers and acquisitions.

"This acquisition represents an important step forward for Astreya," said Romil Bahl, CEO of Astreya, in a statement. "As our first business acquisition, it reflects our focus on thoughtful, strategic growth. Reliant brings expertise in regulated, mission-critical environments, along with a customer-first culture that closely aligns with ours."

RIS, based in SeaTac, Washington, has spent over a decade building a reputation for reliability in the western United States. The company specializes in managed services, security, and cloud solutions delivered behind client firewalls, ensuring high security and operational continuity. This expertise is crucial for industries where data handling and system uptime are governed by strict local, state, and federal regulations.

Bahl noted that RIS fits seamlessly into Astreya's existing framework, stating, "Importantly, they fit right into our 3x3 structure of practices and AI-first managed services offerings." This suggests a strategy of layering Astreya’s proprietary AI and automation technologies, developed through prior acquisitions like RelayiQ and Yolk Inc., onto RIS's proven compliance and service delivery model.

Targeting the Turbulent Skies of Airline IT

The acquisition significantly bolsters Astreya's presence in the airline industry, a sector undergoing a massive digital transformation fraught with unique challenges. The global aviation software market is projected to grow substantially, reaching over $18 billion by 2033 as airlines invest in technology for everything from predictive maintenance to flight path optimization.

However, this digitalization comes with immense pressure. Airlines operate in one of the most regulated and security-sensitive environments in the world. They face a complex web of international standards from bodies like the FAA and EASA, and the threat of cyberattacks carries consequences that range from massive operational disruptions to potential safety crises. Recent cybersecurity requirements issued by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) underscore the increasing regulatory scrutiny on the industry's digital infrastructure.

RIS brings to Astreya a "long-standing enterprise relationship with a major airline operator," providing an immediate and significant entry point into this demanding market. The deal equips Astreya with the specialized knowledge needed to navigate the aviation industry's stringent IT requirements, from managing legacy systems to deploying secure, modern infrastructure that can withstand sophisticated cyber threats.

Integrating Expertise and Expanding Footprint

To ensure a smooth transition, the deal prioritizes leadership and service continuity. The entire Reliant IS leadership team will join Astreya, with Jesse Perbix, formerly President of RIS, stepping into the role of General Manager of RIS. This move is designed to reassure existing customers and retain the specialized talent that made RIS an attractive acquisition target.

Scott Nguyen, CEO of the former parent Reliant Group, who will serve as an advisor, highlighted the importance of this cultural and operational alignment. "After building the company from the ground up to more than 100 employees, it was critical to find a partner that values our people, our customers, and our approach to service delivery," he stated. "This combination positions the business well for continued growth and long-term success."

The combined organization will offer customers an expanded geographic footprint, particularly strengthening its presence in the Pacific Northwest and Southwest United States. For existing RIS clients, this means access to Astreya's global reach and its broader portfolio of AI-driven IT solutions. For Astreya's clients, it means enhanced capabilities in delivering compliance-ready services.

Navigating a Competitive Landscape

Astreya operates in a crowded and competitive IT services market dominated by global giants like Accenture, IBM, and Wipro. In this environment, specialization is key to differentiation. The acquisition of RIS is a classic strategic move for a mid-sized player to build a defensible niche.

By acquiring deep, verifiable expertise in regulated sectors, Astreya can more effectively compete for high-value contracts that larger, more generalized providers may not be as well-equipped to handle. The company is betting that the combination of its 'AI-first' automation platform with RIS's hands-on, high-compliance service culture will create a unique and compelling offering for enterprises where failure is not an option.

The transaction sets a new precedent for Astreya's future, establishing an M&A-driven path to complement its organic growth. As the company looks ahead, it will likely continue to pursue strategic investments that deepen its industry expertise and expand its global capabilities. This first acquisition positions the newly combined organization to serve a global clientele in the airline industry and other regulated sectors, blending specialized compliance with AI-driven innovation.