Romanian security technology company Bitdefender said on September 11 it has acquired Australian peer SMS eTech, as part of its strategy of globally expanding in the consumer and enterprise segments.

Bitdefender is the most successful Romanian IT company and a global IT security leader. With a worldwide network of 500mn users, Bitdefender has the largest security delivery infrastructure in the world.

The acquisition will strengthen the company’s position in the Asia-Pacific region and at global level. Bitdefender has also created a wholly-owned subsidiary, Bitdefender Australia, and has opened an office in Melbourne.

“Formed through the acquisition of assets from business partner, SMS eTech, Bitdefender’s new official presence in Melbourne will serve as the company’s first in the region, an important local go-to-market springboard, and a critical component of its global expansion strategy towards a successful IPO,” the Romanian company said in a statement.

Bitdefender has also taken over the employees of SMS eTech in charge with the Bitdefender portfolio, with the aim of consolidating the online sales, partner network and regional expansion.

Bitdefender products have been present on the Australian market for 13 years and in the past four years SMS eTech has been Bitdefender’s exclusive partner.

“This strategic decision will contribute to the two-digit sustained growth we are witnessing. Bitdefender Australia will have a key role in the global development of the business and the Bitdefender brand,” Bitdefender CEO Florin Talpes said.

In 2017, Bitdefender acquired its French peer Profil Technology as part of its expansion strategy on the corporate segment.