Insitec acquires The Network to better support Defence

Australian defence ICT market leader Insitec has acquired technology recruitment specialist The Network for $26.5 million

Insitec has completed the acquisition to help strengthen Australia’s sovereign defence capability and support its growth as one of the main software and systems providers to the Australian Department of Defence, according to founder and Managing Director Michael Branch.

“This acquisition gives us a platform to meet the needs of the Australian Defence Force and makes it possible for us to bring new talent into the defence sector,” he said.

“Over the next five years, we anticipate an extra 1000-plus people will be needed to support the ICT needs of [the ADF]. Rather than stripping one project to support another, The Network give us access to skilled people who are currently inside and outside of the sector and, in turn, we give them access to dynamic new career opportunities in the defence sector.”

The acquisition follows the renewal of Insitec’s $43.5 million contract as technical and professional services provider to the Department’s Chief Information Officer Group (CIOG) Service Management Branch (SMB).

Founded in 2013, The Network employs 20 staff from offices in Sydney and Canberra, with more than 100 IT professionals under contract — many of whom already possess the top-level government security clearance required to support some Defence contracts.

The Network’s Director, Martin Sharman, said the company would continue to operate under its own brand, and remains committed to supporting its existing clients and consultants.

“Our focus has always been to connect the right people with the right opportunity at the right time, and our relationship with Insitec creates an exciting opportunity for us to extend further into the defence sector,” he said.

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