Brennan buys Canberra-based cloud and security specialist CBR Cyber

Information technology consultancy Brennan is set to buy Canberra-based cybersecurity and cloud specialist CBR Cyber, with its full management team and staff to cross on completion of the deal.

CBR Cyber was established in Canberra in 2021 by managing director Andrew Weir alongside CTO and fellow former Cirrus Networks senior leader Michael Honeyman, and has since been a regular feature on various ‘fast-growing tech’ lists, last year pulling in revenues in excess of $50 million.

Despite already being one of Australia’s largest sovereign IT advisory and services providers, Brennan also continues to grow at a rapid clip, with CBR marking the firm’s fifth acquisition since the pandemic, headlined by its $23 million purchase of MOQdigital and also including last year’s pick up of Adelaide-based Nuango.

“This acquisition will not only add to Brennan’s strong organic national growth, but also puts us firmly at the heart of the nation’s capital, enabling us to better drive tangible outcomes and deliver true performance for key national organisations,” stated founder and managing director Dave Stevens. “For Brennan, an anchor in the nation’s capital opens up exciting opportunities.”

Brennan has been riding the wave of market disruption brought about by the Labor federal government’s ambition to reduce its advisory spend, later exacerbated by the PwC government tax leak scandal, which has seen a procurement shift towards smaller, sovereign firms. Brennan has since reportedly doubled its headcount and upped its revenues three-fold.

Now, Brennan says the CBR bolt-on will further strengthen its already robust cybersecurity capabilities, bolster the firm’s credentials across all levels of government, and again expand Brennan’s national footprint in line with its stated growth strategy, while also signalling to the wider market its “belief in the value and importance of sovereign-owned and operated integrators.”

With more than a dozen tech partners, CBR Cyber primarily supports public sector clients across its four core consulting, cybersecurity, secure networks, and unified communications service lines, extending to areas such as digital architecture & engineering, cyber event management, and governance, risk & compliance.

“In just four years, we’ve established a strong foothold in Canberra, fuelled by ambition and an unwavering commitment to customer success,” Weir stated. “By joining Brennan, it will strengthen our ability to deliver even more value, giving customers access to a broader portfolio of solutions designed to drive their business forward.”

Having previously hinted at a potential future ASX-listing, Brennan has jumped out of the blocks this year with a number of bold, profile-raising moves, including an overhaul of its visual branding and the offer of fixed pricing on client transformation projects. The firm has also recently committed to achieving greater gender diversity, with a 40 percent female target for its advisory board.