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Google owner Alphabet wants to buy Israeli cybersecurity firm for over $30 bln

Google owner Alphabet wants to buy Israeli cybersecurity firm for over $30 bln

  • 18.03.2025 08:32
  • thedailystar.net
  • Keywords: Acquisition, Cybersecurity

Alphabet is negotiating to acquire Wiz, an Israeli cybersecurity firm, for over $30 billion, aiming to enhance its cloud services and strengthen its cybersecurity capabilities.

Alphabet ServicesGOOGLsentiment_dissatisfied

Estimated market influence

Alphabet

Alphabet

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Analyst rating: Buy

Alphabet is considering acquiring Wiz but previously withdrew an offer due to antitrust concerns.

Wiz

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Analyst rating: N/A

Wiz is a cybersecurity firm that Alphabet wants to acquire, which could boost its market position.

Context

Analysis of Alphabet's Potential Acquisition of Wiz: Business Insights and Market Implications

Deal Overview

  • Acquisition Value: Over $30 billion, marking Alphabet's largest potential purchase to date.
  • Previous Offer: A $23 billion offer was withdrawn in July 2024 due to antitrust concerns by Wiz.

Wiz Business and Specialization

  • Focus: Cloud-based cybersecurity solutions powered by artificial intelligence.
  • Key Partnerships: Collaborates with major cloud providers like Microsoft and Amazon.
  • Clientele: Includes prominent firms such as Morgan Stanley and DocuSign.
  • Global Presence: 900 employees across the U.S., Europe, Asia, and Israel.
  • Growth Plans: Aiming to hire 400 new workers in 2024, reflecting rising demand for cybersecurity expertise.

Alphabet's Strategic Motivations

  • Cybersecurity Market Expansion: Seeks to strengthen its position in the booming cybersecurity sector.
  • Cloud Services Enhancement: Wiz's AI-driven security solutions complement Alphabet's cloud infrastructure, which generated $43 billion in revenue in 2024.
  • Competitive Edge: Integration of advanced security tools could provide a competitive advantage over rivals like Microsoft and Amazon.

Market Trends and Industry Implications

  • Cybersecurity Growth: The market is rapidly expanding due to increasing sophistication of digital threats.
  • Global Demand: Heightened awareness post-CrowdStrike outage underscores the critical need for robust cybersecurity measures.
  • Talent Acquisition: Wiz's planned expansion highlights the competitive nature of attracting skilled professionals in the cybersecurity field.

Competitive Landscape

  • Rapidly Evolving Market: Alphabet faces competition from established players like Microsoft and Amazon, which already partner with Wiz.
  • Strategic Partnerships: Wiz's existing collaborations could be leveraged to expand Alphabet's cloud security offerings.

Strategic Considerations

  • Antitrust Concerns: Potential regulatory hurdles due to Alphabet's dominant position in tech and cloud services.
  • Regulatory Scrutiny: The deal may face close examination given global antitrust policies and market dynamics.
  • Customer Assurance: Acquisition could reassure enterprise customers about the safety of Alphabet's cloud services.

Long-Term Effects

  • Strengthened Ecosystem: Integration of Wiz's technology could enhance Alphabet's ability to offer comprehensive security solutions.
  • Innovation Driver: Access to Wiz's AI-driven cybersecurity innovations may position Alphabet as a leader in proactive threat detection and mitigation.

This potential acquisition underscores the critical role of cybersecurity in the digital economy and highlights Alphabet's strategic focus on innovation and market leadership.