Integris Goes Global, Acquiring First Focus to Build AI-Powered MSP Giant

CRANBURY, N.J. – April 27, 2026 – In a significant move poised to reshape the global landscape for managed IT services, U.S.-based Integris has announced its intent to acquire First Focus, the largest managed service provider (MSP) for small and midsize businesses (SMBs) across Australia, New Zealand, and the Philippines. The acquisition, which is subject to regulatory approval, marks Integris's first international expansion and is set to create the world's largest MSP dedicated to the SMB market.

Backed by the formidable financial power of OMERS Private Equity, this strategic combination aims to build a global platform capable of delivering enterprise-grade technology—particularly secure and scalable artificial intelligence—to a growing international client base. The deal highlights a powerful trend of consolidation and globalization in the IT services sector, as providers race to meet the complex, cross-border needs of modern businesses.

A New Global Leader in SMB IT Services

The planned acquisition brings together two dominant players from different hemispheres. Integris has established itself as a national leader in the U.S. for managed AI and IT services. First Focus, founded in 2003, has methodically built its reputation as the premier MSP for mid-market organizations in the APAC region. Its claim as the top provider in Australia has been validated for seven consecutive years by industry analyst firm Cloudtango, a testament to its market penetration and service quality.

First Focus's growth has been fueled by a combination of organic expansion and strategic acquisitions, such as its purchase of CNX in New Zealand and the Brisbane-based Xari Group in Australia. This has allowed it to build a robust network of nearly 400 IT professionals serving over 800 businesses. Should the acquisition by Integris complete, the combined entity will command a significant global footprint, which Integris claims will make it the largest MSP for SMBs worldwide.

"This acquisition represents a meaningful step forward in our long-term vision to build a truly global platform MSP focused on the needs of small and midsize businesses," said Rashaad Bajwa, chief executive officer of Integris. The move is seen not just as an expansion of geographic reach, but as a critical component of a long-term growth strategy underwritten by OMERS Private Equity, one of Canada's largest pension plans.

Democratizing AI for the Mid-Market

A central pillar of the acquisition strategy is the acceleration of secure, governed artificial intelligence for SMBs. Both companies have identified AI as a transformative force that is rapidly reshaping how organizations operate and compete. By combining their expertise, they intend to democratize access to sophisticated AI tools that have traditionally been the domain of large enterprises.

"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," Bajwa stated.

This vision aligns perfectly with First Focus's established focus on practical AI implementation. The Australian provider has actively worked to close the "AI execution gap" for its clients, addressing the rise of ungoverned "shadow AI" within organizations. Through initiatives like its "$100K AI Investment Fund" to support client projects and its "CORE" managed AI and automation service, First Focus has already demonstrated a commitment to deploying AI in a secure, controlled, and commercially valuable manner. The company's status as an OpenAI services and SMB channel partner further underscores its proactive approach.

Ross Sardi, chief executive officer of First Focus, echoed the strategic alignment. "We see this partnership as a strong cultural and strategic fit," he said. "Integris brings the scale and long-term approach to help us grow our people and deliver even more value to our clients—while staying true to who we are." For clients, this translates into a partner capable of navigating the complexities of AI adoption, from infrastructure and data governance to security and compliance.

The Globalization of Managed Services

This transaction is a prime example of a broader industry shift where leading MSPs are transcending national borders to become global service platforms. As businesses of all sizes increasingly operate across multiple regions, they require IT partners that can provide consistent, high-quality support for distributed teams and international infrastructure. This deal moves beyond simple consolidation for customer count, focusing instead on adding deep regional presence, specialized service capabilities, and true cross-border support.

For Integris, this is a pivotal first step onto the international stage, instantly providing a mature and extensive foothold in the fast-growing Asia-Pacific market. The expansion of resources between the two organizations is expected to significantly enhance their collective ability to support clients with global operations while still delivering the localized expertise and high-touch service that both are known for.

Navigating the Path Forward

The completion of the acquisition is contingent on clearing regulatory hurdles in Australia, New Zealand, and the Philippines. The transaction will be reviewed by bodies such as the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) and the Philippine Competition Commission (PCC), the latter of which recently updated its merger notification thresholds. Both companies will navigate this process before finalizing the deal.

In a move designed to ensure stability and continued growth, First Focus will maintain its existing leadership team, with Ross Sardi continuing as CEO. The company also plans to pursue its own ongoing acquisition strategy, suggesting the combined entity will operate a model that allows for both integrated global services and targeted regional expansion. The immediate focus following the signing of a definitive agreement will be on integration planning, emphasizing knowledge sharing and operational alignment to ensure continuity for both employees and the hundreds of businesses they support.

This strategic alignment is designed to ensure that as the two companies join forces on a global stage, the clients who rely on them experience a seamless transition and an immediate expansion of available expertise.