VeriSign is buying managed security service provider
Guardent.
"In addition to being a world-class company in its own right,
Guardent is a perfect strategic fit," said VeriSign chief executive
officer Stratton Sclavos.
"By combining forces, we will solidify VeriSign's leadership in
network security," he said, adding that with Guardent's customer
base, vulnerability management technology and security expertise,
the merged company will be better able to serve customers.
VeriSign will pay about $140m in stock and cash for Guardent,
while gaining about 150 full-time Guardent employees. The
acquisition, which is expected to close in the first quarter of
next year, is subject to regulatory approvals and other
conditions.
Maria Cirino, chief executive officer of Guardent, said that
"Guardent's customers will benefit from VeriSign's infrastructure,
intelligence and global reach" through the deal. "All customers
will benefit from an accelerated pace of innovation, operational
enhancements and global expansion."
Cirino will become a senior vice-president and general manager
of managed security services at the company.
Todd R Weiss writes for Computerworld