Quorum Cyber to acquire Ontinue in Microsoft security deal

Quorum Cyber has agreed to acquire Ontinue, combining two Microsoft-focused cybersecurity providers.

Financial terms were not disclosed. The companies will continue to operate independently until the transaction closes, subject to customary conditions and required approvals.

The proposed acquisition would combine Quorum Cyber's managed security and threat intelligence operations with Ontinue's managed extended detection and response business, centred on what it calls an Agentic Security Operations Centre. Both companies focus on Microsoft security tools and services, and the deal would expand the combined group's presence across North America, the UK and the DACH region.

The announcement comes amid rising consolidation in cybersecurity. Citing industry data, the companies said merger and acquisition value in the sector rose 270 per cent to USD $96 billion in 2025, with 2026 on track for a record number of deals.

Managed security providers have become attractive targets as buyers seek businesses that combine human-led operations with AI-based automation. Quorum Cyber and Ontinue aim to strengthen their position in that market by linking security operations more closely to AI systems and Microsoft's security stack.

Under the planned combination, the companies expect to offer services covering secure AI adoption, risk reduction, continuous threat detection, incident response and recovery. The combined organisation would support customers using Microsoft Sentinel, Microsoft Defender and other Microsoft security products, as well as newer tools such as Microsoft Security Copilot and Project Perception.

AI focus

A central argument behind the deal is that AI should be embedded in day-to-day security operations rather than used only as an add-on. Ontinue's platform is designed to let software agents investigate, make decisions and take action within customer-defined controls, while human teams retain oversight and responsibility for critical judgement.

Quorum Cyber said that approach aligns with its strategy as cyber threats and defensive systems become faster and more automated. It also pointed to demand from organisations seeking help to introduce AI tools without weakening governance, compliance or operational control.

"AI has changed the speed, scale and economics of cyber defense. The future is not security teams managing more tools; it is experienced defenders directing AI-powered systems that can work continuously and act at machine speed, with humans firmly in control," said Kevin Hanes, Chief Executive Officer, Quorum Cyber. "The union of Quorum Cyber and Ontinue is a major step forward in evolving our portfolio for that future and bringing to market the largest Microsoft-first MXDR combining machine intelligence with the judgment, expertise and accountability customers need to move forward with confidence."

That focus reflects broader market shifts as companies move beyond isolated security products toward operating models that connect detection, analysis and response. The companies said their shared aim is to build a system that continuously learns from security signals across customer environments while leaving strategy and accountability to people.

Microsoft ties

The businesses also highlighted their long-standing relationships with Microsoft. Quorum Cyber is a Microsoft Solutions Partner for Security and a member of the Microsoft Intelligent Security Association, while Ontinue has achieved Microsoft Gold Partner status five times and has also received Microsoft partner awards.

Those credentials matter because many large organisations now run substantial parts of their security operations on Microsoft infrastructure. Customers often need external support not only to deploy products such as Defender XDR, Sentinel, Entra and Purview, but also to integrate them into broader governance and compliance processes.

For Quorum Cyber, the acquisition would add depth in managed detection and response and AI-led operational workflows. For Ontinue, it would provide broader geographic reach, larger-scale threat intelligence and a wider services portfolio.

"In the Autonomous Threat Era, when attackers operate at machine speed while most defenses still decide at human speed, Ontinue was founded on the conviction that AI must be intrinsic to security operations, not a bolt-on," said Moritz Mann, Chief Executive Officer, Ontinue. "Our Agentic SOC platform overcomes the human-decision bottleneck by letting AI agents investigate, decide and act at machine speed within customer-defined guardrails, while people stay in control of risk and accountability. Quorum Cyber shares that belief and brings global scale, deep threat intelligence and a proven ability to turn Microsoft innovation into stronger security outcomes. Together, we will set the standard for how security operations are run in the AI era - giving customers broader protection, greater resilience and the confidence to adopt AI securely, while creating an exciting new chapter for our people."

Eterna Growth Partners, the current majority investor in Quorum Cyber, will remain the majority investor in the combined company.