[SOUTHAMPTON, Tuesday 5th May 2026] – Austability Group Ltd, a global leader in expeditionary operational support services for the Defence and National Security sector, has acquired a majority shareholding (80%) in Nine23 Ltd, one of the UK’s leading high-assurance managed service providers.
The acquisition brings together Austability’s global scale and operational expertise with Nine23’s specialist UK sovereign digital capabilities, enhancing the ability to deliver secure services to Five Eyes nations, allied governments, and critical sectors facing a rising cyber threat and an urgent need for collaborative, interoperable systems.
Under the terms of the agreement, Nine23 Founder Stuart McKean retains a 20% shareholding and will continue as Chairman of the Nine23 Board of Directors, ensuring stability, continuity, and strong leadership as the company enters its next phase of growth.
Strategic Benefits of the Partnership
- Enhanced resources and financial strength
Nine23 will benefit from Austability’s operational scale and global networks, supporting continued investment in people, technology, and innovation. - Strengthened capabilities
The combined organisations will offer a broader range of secure digital services and solutions, integrating Nine23’s local UK knowledge with Austability’s international experience. - Continuity of service
Existing Nine23 clients can expect uninterrupted service, with the same high levels of expertise, responsiveness, and commitment to secure delivery.
Due Diligence and UK Sovereignty Commitments
The transaction underwent a comprehensive appraisal, meeting rigorous strategic, financial, and operational due diligence standards. In accordance with the UK’s National Security and Investment Act, the acquisition was formally notified to the government, and a full review of potential national security implications was completed, resulting in approval for the acquisition.
Nine23 remains a 100% UK-owned and sovereign company, operating independently under UK law and governance.
“I am excited to continue leading Nine23 as part of the Austability Group. Together, we will deliver even greater value to our clients in National Security and beyond, while upholding our dedication to secure, sovereign solutions that enable the end users who work to protect us.”
Stuart McKean, Founder & Chairman of Nine23
“Welcoming Nine23 into the Austability Group is a strategic step forward in our mission to foster peace and security through high-assurance, sovereign digital services. This acquisition expands our capabilities and reach across the Five Eyes and allied nations.”
David Khandan, President & CEO of Austability Group
Nine23 is a trusted UK Sovereign, High-Assurance Managed Service Provider (MSP), delivering cyber secure, resilient digital services for mission-critical operations in Defence, Government, and National Security. Our services enable seamless interoperability – allowing teams to access the data and applications they need to work collaboratively.
Our services include: Cyber Resilience Advisory & Assurance, UK Sovereign & Hybrid Cloud, Connected Data, Collaborative Working, and Integrated Service Management. Our solutions are built to meet the most stringent regulatory compliance requirements and are fully aligned with NCSC/DSIT guidance and Secure by Design principles.
Austability Group Ltd the London-based holding company for a number of subsidiaries established across Europe, Middle East, the United States and the Asia Pacific delivering expeditionary operational support services to the Five Eyes and their allies & partners.
Austability was first incorporated in Australia in 2015, combining more than 30 years of relevant industry experience, bringing extensive expertise in complex, post-conflict and austere environments.