NEC acquires Exco Partners to bolster data and AI services

Customers gain access to Exco’s specialised expertise with the backing of NEC’s scale, delivery capability.

NEC Australia has acquired Melbourne-based Exco Partners, eyeing its expertise in human-centred design and digital transformation.

The financial terms of the acquisition have not been publicly disclosed.

“The acquisition strengthens NEC’s digital solutions portfolios, enabling customers to access Exco’s specialised expertise with the backing of NEC’s scale, delivery capability and long-term support,” Ayala Domani, chief strategy and growth officer, NEC Australia said.

Exco’s digital solutions and transformation management is underpinned by its proprietary CoreMethod’s framework and its quality management system that is ISO:9001-certified.

To retain these services and expertise, Exco will operate as a dedicated business unit within NEC Australia and customers should expect no changes to day-to-day delivery.

“Clients will continue working with the same teams, with access to broader capability and support over time,” Domani told CRN Australia.

Combined power to tackle complex transformations

Exco’s clients include government agencies, councils, regulated industries such as banks and healthcare businesses and schools.

This work includes workflow and customer portal transformation for the Fair Work Commission, data platform modernisation for ASIC, real‑time analytics platform for Red Cross Lifeblood and a broker lending portal for Bendigo Bank.

Its digital capabilities, together with the experience delivering in complex government and regulated environments, made it a strategic fit for NEC. Exco is expected to strengthen NEC’s ability to undertake complex government case management, with human-centred and secure, scalable solutions.

“Exco Partners adds critical capability in cloud, data engineering and AI at a time when customers are accelerating adoption of AI-enabled solutions,” Domani noted.

Microsoft partner status to continue

Exco Partners is a long-standing Microsoft partner, formerly a gold partner. In 2024 it was designated a solution partner in both data and AI and digital and app innovation. Its partnership is built around Microsoft Dynamics 365, Azure and the Power Platform to provide tailored digital solutions and transformation.

With the acquisition, Exco’s Microsoft partnership credentials will continue to be recognised and leveraged as part of the combined offering, according to Domani.

“Any alignment between partnership arrangements [will be] managed in a way that best supports customers and continuity,” she said.

NEC would not comment on potential future transactions and whether this was a one-off deal or part of a more active acquisition push.

“NEC remains focused on sustainable growth in the region and will continue to invest in areas aligned to customer needs and our long-term strategy,” Domani ended.