Perth-based Microsoft solutions and services partner Velrada today announced that it has shelved plans for an ASX listing in favour of an acquisition offer from NRI Australia and New Zealand, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nomura Research Institute (NRI).

Under the terms of the deal, NRI, a highly regarded national IT services player that for over two decades has been providing innovative and high-quality transformation services and solutions in the Australian federal government and enterprise space, will acquire 100 per cent of the shares in Velrada.

CEO of NRI Australia and New Zealand, Dean Langenbach said, “Velrada is an incredible West Australian success story. It has leveraged its Microsoft partnership to facilitate the digital transformation of some of Australia’s biggest organisations including Sodexo, Downer, BHP, and Rio Tinto.”

“Velrada’s acquisition allows us to boost our capacity for seamless delivery of Microsoft’s technology, and we are proud to be aligned with a company whose extensive West Australian foothold, and growing global footprint already includes major European customers and the UK Government.”

Velrada is a true West Australian success story. It is one of Microsoft’s largest Australian implementation partners, and a leading provider of transformational business solutions. The 13-year old company has fewer than five shareholders, and has grown its annual revenue to a record of more than $45 million despite never having raised outside capital. It was named Microsoft Growth Partner of the Year in 2021, and since its founding in 2009, has expanded to more than 200 national and international staff.

Velrada CEO Robert Evans said, “It has been an incredible journey for Velrada and we are delighted with the outcome. We bootstrapped this company ourselves, and through hard work and innovation, have grown Velrada into one of the most valuable technology companies in Western Australia. With this partnership, Velrada will be well positioned to continue with its rapid expansion in Australia and overseas.”

“While Velrada will remain a standalone business, NRI’s investment will accelerate our growth, global scale, and alignment with our key customers. Our partnership with NRI will allow us to maintain our close relationship with Microsoft, and provide our valued employees with enhanced global and national career opportunities.”

Under the terms of the deal, the Velrada leadership team will remain in place, and continue working closely with NRI. Velrada will also maintain its identity and focus on the Microsoft space. Velrada will join the international NRI group which includes Planit, a world leader in application testing and quality engineering; and Core BTS, a U.S.-based technology consulting and managed service provider with a focus in the Microsoft Cloud space.

Nomura Research Institute is a multinational technology and consulting firm with an annual revenue of over US$4.9 billion. It has over 2000 leading Microsoft professionals covering all disciplines, and deep solution and industry led intellectual property for the benefit of its customers.