Citation Group acquires foundU to strengthen SME services

Citation Group has acquired Brisbane-based workforce management and payroll platform, foundU.

The acquisition aims to strengthen Citation Group's service portfolio for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Australia, particularly in supporting their compliance and management needs within the country's complex labour landscape.

FoundU's cloud-based system provides an integrated platform handling workforce management tasks, including onboarding, rostering, time tracking, and payroll. The platform is currently utilised by nearly 700 businesses in Australia and is recognised for ensuring compliance with the nation's workplace regulations.

Managing Director of Citation Group Australia, Russell Evans, is overseeing the integration of foundU into the group's operations. Evans said, "We are thrilled to welcome foundU into the Citation Group. This acquisition demonstrates our commitment to investing in Australian businesses and supporting SMEs with the tools they need to streamline operations and achieve long-term success. Together, we are delivering solutions that save time, reduce complexity, and help businesses focus on growth."

FoundU was established in 2015 and has since built a reputation in the local market for tools designed to support both business owners and employees. Its platform allows employees to manage shifts, request leave, and view payroll details with self-service functions, while businesses can track real-time workforce data and automate core processes to drive efficiency.

Co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer of foundU, Tyson Armitage, commented on the acquisition, saying, "Joining Citation Group is a significant milestone for foundU. We're excited to be part of something bigger, working alongside a team that shares our dedication to empowering SMEs. This partnership allows us to enhance our platform, support more Australian businesses, and continue simplifying workforce management in a challenging labour environment."

The partnership is being presented as a union of shared goals. Evans stated, "This partnership is grounded in shared values. Both Citation Group and foundU are passionate about reducing day-to-day burdens on businesses. By combining expertise and technology, we're giving SMEs the freedom to focus less on compliance worries and more on reaching their potential."

The acquisition is set to reinforce Citation Group's capacity to provide a broader offering tailored to the needs of Australian SMEs, which often face significant administrative hurdles due to the intricacies of labour legislation and workplace management requirements.

Oversight on the transaction in Australia was led by Matt Stacey, Divisional Managing Director for Impact & International at Citation Group. Stacey said, "Australia is a key focus for us, and we remain committed to investing in its future. This marks Citation Group's fourth acquisition in Australia since 2022 and demonstrates our ongoing commitment to strategic growth in this region. With foundU, we're adding a platform that aligns perfectly with the needs of Australian SMEs, and this is just the beginning of many exciting opportunities ahead."

The integration of foundU is expected to enhance Citation Group's workforce management and compliance offerings by adding advanced automation, self-service features, and real-time analytics specific to the local business environment.

The combined resources of Citation Group and foundU position the organisation to expand support for businesses navigating compliance, payroll, and workforce management challenges. The acquisition is the latest in a series of strategic moves by Citation Group to expand its footprint in the Australian market and mirrors its ongoing investment efforts since 2022.

Both companies have signalled that current clients should expect continued service and technical support, as well as future enhancements aimed at delivering more efficient, compliant management systems for SMEs.