Optic Security Group launches trans-Tasman operations

Optic Security Group has been launched through a merger of six entities with combined revenues in excess of $100 million.

The new company, which will operate across New Zealand and Australia, brings together the combined capability and expertise of industry-leading security businesses to form ANZ’s largest independent and most technically advanced physical, IT and information security group.

The newly formed entity brings together physical security company Fortlock which recently acquired IT experts Comsmart, Circuit Systems and SSL along with Australian based companies Securities and Security Technology Services and Bemac.

“We are all living in a more connected world, where organisations are operating in an environment with increasing demand, more volatility and more complexity,” says Jason Cherrington, Optic Security CEO.

Jason Cherrington

“Safeguarding people, information and technology has become much more complex and this rapidly changing risk profile is making the need to protect critical infrastructure against both physical and digital threats an absolute imperative,” says Cherrington, in a statement.

“The formation of the Optic Security Group will enable us to meet the needs of customers as converging security requirements grow and become more complex, be they physical or digital.”

Cherrington notes these threats are now exposing directors to a complex liability that if not mitigated successfully can lead to significant financial, criminal and brand damaging outcomes that boards have to be fully aware of, and then protected against.

“We had a particularly clear vision to create a trans-Tasman capability that has full geographic coverage across both markets and depth in technical and industry expertise to tackle these emerging challenges and deliver appropriate solutions to our customers – now achievable with a scale presence in both New Zealand and Australia.”

Cherrington says that the new company will immediately be able to provide additional services to the existing customers of the companies under the Optic Security umbrella.

The company will also partner with other leading players in the market such as the Cyber Audit team in Australia which provides independent information security and cybersecurity assessments.

Chris Giufre, managing director of Ascentro Capital Partners, a New Zealand investment firm co-founded the Optic Security Group with Cherrington.

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