First Focus Acquires Optimus Systems, Expanding Managed AI & IT Services in New Zealand

First Focus expands Managed AI and IT Services capability in New Zealand with Optimus Systems acquisition

Sydney, Australia / Auckland, New Zealand – 13 May 2026 – First Focus has acquired Optimus Systems, an Auckland-based managed IT services provider, strengthening its position in the New Zealand SMB market and advancing its ambition to lead the category for managed AI and IT services.

The acquisition brings together First Focus’s scale, AI capability and managed services expertise with Optimus Systems’ strong New Zealand client relationships, local delivery capability and highly regarded team. It also further signals First Focus’s intent to lead the emerging category of managed AI and IT services in the New Zealand market, helping SMBs use technology, automation, AI and cyber security to drive productivity, resilience and measurable business outcomes.

Optimus Systems is an Auckland-headquartered managed IT services provider with capability across managed IT, cyber security, compliance, cloud services and IT consultancy. With operations and staff across New Zealand, including Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin, Optimus has built a strong reputation for trusted client relationships, strong technical capability and practical technology advice. Optimus is also certified to ISO 27001:2022, reflecting its commitment to robust information security management.

Founder Marek Drummond will stay on to lead the shift to AI and automation-led services in New Zealand, while Travis Brunton, Optimus Systems’ current Operations Manager, will take on the role of General Manager for First Focus in New Zealand.

Ross Sardi, CEO of First Focus, said the acquisition continues the strategy outlined when First Focus announced the acquisition of CNX two months ago.

New Zealand is a key strategic market for First Focus, and our clear intent is to be the country’s leading managed AI and IT services provider for SMBs by bringing together world-class capability, strong local delivery and businesses with great people and like-minded clients.

Optimus is exactly that kind of business. It has a highly capable team, like-minded clients and deep expertise in areas that matter more than ever, including cyber security, compliance, cloud and managed services.

SMBs are no longer looking for an MSP that simply keeps the lights on. They are increasingly looking at technology as an investment, not a cost centre. To turn that investment into real outcomes, they need a partner that understands business, can help them build a secure technology platform and strong data layer, and can drive continual innovation and improvement through AI and automation month after month.

That is the role First Focus is building for in New Zealand. We are excited to welcome the Optimus team and to support their clients with the same care they know today, backed by the broader expertise, AI capability and resources of First Focus.

• Ross Sardi, CEO of First Focus

Marek Drummond, founder of Optimus Systems, said joining First Focus gives Optimus clients and staff the right platform for the future.

I chose to sell Optimus because I could see the market changing quickly, especially around AI, automation, cyber security, and the level of scale and structure needed to keep delivering great outcomes for clients.

I wanted to make sure our clients and our team had the best possible platform for the future, and First Focus stood out as the right partner because of their capability, operating model, culture, and the way they support businesses after acquisition.

What gave me real confidence was that this did not feel like a typical transaction. It felt like a genuine opportunity to take what we have built and strengthen it. For our clients, the immediate message is business as usual, with the same Optimus team continuing to support them, now backed by the broader expertise and resources of First Focus. I’m excited about the opportunities this creates for our clients, our team, and the next stage of the business.

• Marek Drummond – Founder of Optimus Systems

The Optimus team will continue supporting clients, ensuring continuity of service while gaining access to the broader First Focus platform. Clients will benefit from the same local relationships and responsiveness, combined with expanded capability across AI, cyber security, cloud, automation, application development, modern workplace, communications, consulting and 24×7 support services.

The acquisition follows First Focus’s continued investment in building a market-leading managed services platform across New Zealand and Australia. With more than 340 staff, First Focus combines the scale and capability of a large MSP with the care, flexibility and accountability of a customer-focused technology partner.

About First Focus

First Focus is a leading managed AI and IT service provider delivering end-to-end AI, cloud, IT, security, connectivity, communications, consulting and digital solutions. Founded in 2003, First Focus supports organisations across Australia and New Zealand, helping clients get the most from their technology through its vision of providing everything you need, everywhere you need it.

First Focus has been recognised as Australia’s #1 MSP by Cloudtango and continues to invest in the people, platforms and specialist capabilities needed to help clients operate securely, efficiently and confidently.

About Optimus Systems

Optimus Systems is an Auckland-headquartered managed IT services provider delivering Managed IT Services, Cyber Security and Compliance Services, IT Consultancy, and Cloud Services. With operations and staff across New Zealand, including Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin, Optimus has built a reputation for trusted client relationships, strong technical capability and practical technology advice. The business is ISO 27001:2022 certified, reflecting its commitment to information security and robust service delivery.