Optic Security Group announced a significant milestone in its journey last November, with the Group's trans-Tasman business having been acquired outright by Arena Investors, LP, a distinguished New York-based global investment firm having deployed over US$4.5B in investments over the past 8 years.
Arena Investors was a founding cornerstone shareholder and Financier in Optic Security Group and its purchase through its fully owned holding company reinforces its confidence in and dedication to the Group's continued growth and success. With a forward-looking approach, they are fully supportive of the Group’s executive leadership team and board of directors planned growth. Subsequent to Arena acquiring Optic, Ferzad Bharucha was appointed Optic CEO in February 2023.
Under the leadership of Ferzad Bharucha Optic Security Group is positioned for remarkable transformation. Ferzad has a successful history of growing multi-hundred-million-dollar businesses and brings an impressive portfolio of senior management experience across diverse regions, including Asia, the US, Australia, and New Zealand – expertise that aligns seamlessly with the Group's aspirations for expansion and innovation.
Since his appointment, Ferzad has introduced the "T23" initiative, a comprehensive program designed to revolutionise the Group's business processes, enhance governance practices, and elevate customer value. This transformative endeavor not only positions the Group to achieve its strategic objectives but also addresses previous challenges that impacted performance in FY 2022-23 and will deliver welcome improvements for the Group’s supplier and delivery partners in traditional markets and beyond.
“The security threat context is unprecedentedly dynamic, security technologies are rapidly evolving, and organisations are expecting converged approaches to security that deliver multidomain situational awareness and protection” said Group CEO Ferzad Bharucha. “Our transformation is intended to place us at the leading-edge forefront of these developments.”
“Optic Security Group has a strong centre of gravity in government, defence, critical infrastructure, law enforcement and enterprise level security, and we are proud of our track record in keeping safe across Australasia,” said Ferzad following his recent visits to Optics offices across Australia and New Zealand. “Through our work with government and enterprise clients, the technologies we design, install, service and maintain play a critical role in protecting our communities, economy and way of life.”
“From Australia’s international airports to our rail networks and motorways, to our defence supply chain, healthcare providers and globally recognized construction companies our teams of skilled and vetted security professionals are trusted to protect organisations that depend on the highest levels of security so that they, in turn, can deliver the security outcomes that keep us all safe.”
The Group's forward trajectory shines bright with a robust $121 million pipeline projected into FY 2023-24 and beyond. These potential new projects are in addition to enduring contracts with esteemed Tier 1 clients.
As Optic Security Group navigates this transformative phase with Arena Investors' backing and Ferzad Bharucha's leadership, the stage is set for innovation, growth, and enduring success across Australia, New Zealand, and broader markets within the APAC region.