According to Planit, the acquisition makes it the largest independent IT testing company in New Zealand and Australia, and the third largest globally.

The deal includes Qual IT's partner company Seqa, and Planit intends to to expand in the security sector.

"Prior to Covid, the world was undergoing rapid digitalisation, but over the last two years we have seen that pace quicken exponentially as digital transformation becomes the number one priority for corporations around the world," says Planit CEO Mike Weale.

"The need is greater now, than ever before, for efficiency of application testing and automation in digital transformation initiatives to meet demand for faster, more user friendly, secure and accurate IT systems.

"We want to provide certainty, quality, innovation and efficiency to organisations collaboratively as part of this rapid shift to digital.

"Welcoming Qual IT to the Planit group will enable us, as a combined entity, to leverage each other's expertise, deepen capability, and broaden our reach to provide enhanced opportunities for our clients and employees.

"Through each other's strengths, Planit and Qual IT will help solve IT challenges to co-create value and contribute to a sustainable and safe society."

The Qual IT brand will continue, with founders Shane Hewson and Jon McPhee continuing to lead operations. Similarly, Mark Keegan will continue to lead Seqa.

"This is an incredible milestone for Qual IT and Seqa and will launch the next stage of growth," said Hewson and McPhee.

"Joining a global company is a huge and exciting opportunity for our employees and clients. This is about launching to a bright future and partnering to form a stronger group."

The acquisition price was not disclosed.

Planit is owned by Nomura Research Institute (NRI) Australia, which is part of Tokyo-based NRI Global, which in turn is part of Nomura Group.