CSO Group and xAmplify to merge

Perth-headquartered cybersecurity firm CSO Group and Canberra automation systems and AI integrator xAmplify have announced they intend to merge.

The firms said the merger is expected to be completed in the second half of 2024 and will create "the nation's largest Australian-owned and operated integrator of AI, cyber security, technology and business automation services."

The merged business will deliver solutions to over 110 enterprise and government organisations across Australia spanning industries such as defence, federal and state government, energy, financial services, health, logistics, retail, construction and mining.  

It will be headquartered in Sydney and have operations across every state and territory, with a headcount of more than 160 staff. 

“The merger of CSO Group and xAmplify will create Australia’s largest home-grown cyber security, AI and automation consulting business, with a gross turnover exceeding AU$100 million annually," Michael Simkovic, CEO and founder of CSO Group said.

"We see an enormous market and growth opportunity to disrupt and challenge the traditional large global service provider models.” 

“This is a true merger of equals. The integration of the two businesses will create an amplifier effect, enabling us to deliver a new generation of innovative and integrated business solutions with the convergence of cyber security, automation and AI technologies."

"Ultimately this will bring more intelligence, optimisation and value to our clients, while also building greater Australian sovereign capability and expertise.”

The capabilities of CSO Group and xAmplify span strategy, governance, risk and compliance, managed security, AI and both technology and business automation services.

CSO Group placed ninth in the 2022 CRN Fast50.

“This merger will create a fully integrated national business that will work across every state and territory, enabling clients to leverage AI, automation and cyber security to deliver greater innovation, efficiency, assurance, and business value," Wayne Gowland, CEO and co-founder of xAmplify said.

"The business and technology worlds are changing rapidly, and our customers are wanting to transform and adopt the next generation of groundbreaking technologies in a safe and secure way."

"Together, we aspire to create a digitally advanced and protected Australia by helping clients to identify, solve and manage their real-world problems of today, while safeguarding them for tomorrow.”