First Focus, Integris merge to form global AI services firm

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA — First Focus and Integris will combine to form a managed AI and IT services provider spanning Australia, New Zealand, and the United States, the two firms announced in a press release.

The merger pairs two businesses with overlapping client philosophies and a shared bet that AI capability, not headcount, will define the next decade of managed services. 

The deal is subject to regulatory approval, with the combined entity expected to unify under the Integris brand over time while preserving local leadership across the ANZ region.

A bet on AI-first managed services

The combined business will channel AI across its own operations to sharpen service delivery, strengthen cybersecurity outcomes, and help clients adopt AI in practical, commercially viable ways. 

Both firms identified three forces shaping the market: stronger AI capability inside service organizations, more practical AI outcomes for customers, and the ability to keep investing as consolidation accelerates. 

For clients, the merger promises deeper AI expertise, broader international support, and round-the-clock service backed by local accountability.

“This is about building a stronger AI-enabled managed services business for the future. AI is changing how great service organisations operate, how customers use technology, and where value will be created over the next decade,” said Ross Sardi, CEO of First Focus. 

Sardi will continue leading the ANZ business and take on the additional role of group Chief Innovation Officer to accelerate AI capability across the organization.

Leadership continuity and a platform for ANZ growth

First Focus founder Peter Paddon will remain a significant shareholder in the combined entity, while Sardi and the existing executive team continue to lead operations across Australia and New Zealand. 

The structure preserves cultural alignment and customer relationships during integration, addressing one of the most common failure points in cross-border managed services mergers. 

The combined group also gains capacity to fund future acquisitions and organic expansion across the ANZ region.

“First Focus has built a highly respected business with a strong culture and deep expertise across managed AI and IT services. ANZ is an important growth market, and we’re excited to support Ross and the team as they continue to scale the business,” said Rashaad Bajwa, CEO of Integris.

The deal mirrors a broader consolidation trend across the global outsourcing industry, where managed services firms including Accenture, NTT Data, and Kyndryl are racing to bundle AI, cybersecurity, and IT operations into unified offerings. 

As enterprise clients demand fewer vendors with deeper AI expertise, mid-market consolidators are emerging as a credible alternative to the largest global players, particularly across Asia-Pacific and U.S. cross-border accounts.