AC3 completes Bulletproof integration post-acquisition

Simon Xistouris (AC3)

AC3 has completed the integration process of Bulletproof, completing a five month transition project following the provider’s $24.7 million acquisition of the cloud specialists.

The project spanned five core elements, covering go-to-market strategy; brand architecture strategy; customer value proposition; employee value proposition and organisational redesign.

As a result, the Bulletproof name has been officially retired, incorporated into the wider AC3 business across both Australia and New Zealand markets.

“We’re pleased to announce that AC3 and Bulletproof are officially coming together as one business and will be moving forward under the AC3 brand,” said Simon Xistouris, CEO of AC3, when speaking to ARN.

“We haven’t made this decision lightly – we undertook an extensive project over the last five months which included market research, customer and partner feedback, internal metrics and financials to help us choose this direction.”

Since making the change, Xistouris said the rebrand has already been communicated to staff, customers and vendor partners.

“We have redeveloped our go-to-market strategy and brand story to reflect the integration of the businesses, and combined, we are the leader in secure multi-cloud solutions,” Xistouris added.

“Our goal is to give our customers clarity in the cloud - which was the top rated factor when we asked the market what they wanted from their ICT partner. I’m excited for the journey ahead.”

Xistouris said the combined business is also “midway” through work to select new premises in Sydney, with plans to “move everyone into one office” to facilitate the integration process.

“We’ve involved our people every step of the way,” Xistouris said. “Our people remain our most important asset.”

Furthermore, the technology provider also ran specific feedback sessions with four key vendors during the integration, including Amazon Web Services, Microsoft, Hewlett Packard Enterprise and VMware.

“We have completely rebuilt what the AC3 brand stands for to reflect the values of both organisations as we come together as one,” Xistouris added.

“While our creative look and feel has only been ‘updated’, it has actually changed a lot in how it represents the brand personality.”