Aurizn acquires PAC Australia to expand defence expertise

Australian defence technology firm Aurizn Group has announced its acquisition of Pacific Aerospace Consulting (PAC) Australia.

The acquisition marks a strategic step for Aurizn as it aims to establish itself as a significant player in the defence technology sector both domestically and internationally. Aurizn Group Chief Executive Officer Brett Sangster elaborated on the motivations behind this move, stating, "Aurizn has always had a strong vision for growth in the defence sector, filling the space between the primes and the smaller but often highly capable end of the market."

This development places Aurizn as a Tier 2 defence technology business, underpinned by the addition of PAC Australia's capabilities and its personnel, now numbering over 300. Sangster noted, "Given the strong demand for sovereign capability, we're excited at how our growth will deliver both service and scale to answer that need."

PAC Australia is known for its aerospace and operational focus, offering services such as systems integration, certification, mission planning, simulation, and tactical data link capabilities. These services have contributed to PAC Australia's reputation in meeting the specific operational needs of its clients.

Sangster further commented on the synergies expected from the acquisition, "The mission enablement space is, for example, one area where together we can build out our holistic offering. Aurizn's existing science and technology focus will be strengthened by PAC's operational capabilities, and further supported by McR Defence's strategic expertise."

He continued, "Likewise, we are excited about how PAC's operational expertise in Defence and Aerospace will enable new innovations in Aurizn's market-leading simulation and training services."

Eric Rambow, Chief Executive Officer and co-founder of PAC, will take on the role of executive director at Aurizn Group. Joining Aurizn, Rambow remarked on the strategic fit and future potential of the collaboration, "PAC Australia has been a leading provider of operational solutions in the Defence and Aerospace sector for two decades, assisting the transfer of capability between the US and Australia."

Rambow also expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, "Aurizn are market leaders for advanced STEM, simulation and technology. Together, the companies provide a significant uplift in sovereign Australian capability, while leveraging the coalition knowledge needed in the current threat environment."

Through this acquisition, Rambow believes PAC can secure its future market presence, stating, "Joining Aurizn will allow us to become integrated as part of a broader defence technology business and future-proof the longevity of the company in a tightly contested market. We're excited about how this will enable us to use our skills to deliver solutions for a diverse client base."

The acquisition follows Aurizn's earlier purchase this year of McR Defence, known for its expertise in defence commerce. Kain Lawyers acted as Australian legal counsel on both acquisitions.

Sangster indicated that further opportunities are being explored, particularly in discussions to incorporate PAC's US business into Aurizn's operations. He stated, "There are currently targetable opportunities within the Defence and Critical Infrastructure sectors. We're confident that our 'build and grow' approach is providing us with the requisite technology expertise, financial backing and the agility to capitalise on our cutting-edge capabilities and solutions."