Kordia NZ is expanding its cyber-security portfolio with the purchase of Wellington-based Aura Information Security for $10.02m.
Kordia already has a growing footprint in cyber-security but says the Aura deal catapults it to becoming New Zealand’s leading cyber-security business. There is unprecedented demand for services in this sector.
Founded in 2001 by entrepreneur Andy Prow, Aura is New Zealand’s leading cyber-security company and provides specialist computer and network security services throughout the country, as well as in Australia and the US.
Kordia’s Chief Executive Scott Bartlett says cyber-security is one of the single biggest challenges facing business globally.
“The recently published Institute of Directors Sentiment Survey showed that only 27% of New Zealand Boards are confident of their ability to deal with a cyber-security incident. It highlights the risk to New Zealand business, and the need for the sort of expert, trusted advice that Aura provides.”
“Kordia has been active in this market for a couple of years. There is strong demand for these services already, and the growth curve is steepening. This acquisition equips Kordia to further advance our security strategy and meet the demands of our current and potential customer base.”
“Aura fits perfectly with Kordia’s focus on mission critical technology, as we already help protect some of New Zealand’s largest businesses from attack. With Aura becoming part of Kordia, we are able to own the entire security process for our customers,” he explains.
“This acquisition is outstanding news for our staff, our stakeholders and most importantly, for our existing and new Aura customers. It broadens the customer base for both organisations and positions Kordia as the leading cyber security firm in NZ.” Says Bartlett.
Says Andy Prow, “I’m really excited about what this deal means for Aura and our separate sister business, RedShield. It’s the culmination of lots of hard work and the new relationship we have with Kordia augurs well for the continued success of both companies, and of course our respective customers. Having Kordia as our partner here in NZ and Australia will massively grow our presence and capability locally and will help to further support and accelerate RedShield’s global growth.”
To uphold Aura’s independence and strength in customer excellence, Aura will continue its current working relationships under a separate division within Kordia New Zealand.
All Aura personnel are being retained and key Aura staff members Mark Keegan and Peter Bailey join the Kordia executive committee in their current roles of consulting practice manager and manager service delivery respectively.
As a part of the transaction, Kordia will become an agent for the RedShield web application shielding service in New Zealand and Australia.
