Important points
- British AI cybersecurity company Darktrace has announced that it has approved a $5.3 billion acquisition offer from US private equity firm Thoma Bravo.
- If the sale goes through, Darktrace shareholders will receive $7.75 per share.
- The stock price reflects a 20% premium to the closing price on April 25, the last business day before the announcement.
- Thomas Bravo's previous offer to buy Dirt Racing fell through in 2022 after the companies were unable to agree on terms of the deal.
US private equity firm Thoma Bravo plans to acquire British AI cybersecurity firm Darktrace for $5.3 billion. Darktrace announced that its board of directors unanimously approved the proposal, sending its shares up about 16% in London trading.
The British company, which provides AI-based services to protect businesses from cyberattacks, counts Coca-Cola (KO) and sports car maker Aston Martin among its customers, according to its website.
“The market remains fragmented and there are few truly global players,” Darktrace said of Thoma Bravo's investment in the company. “To serve the world's largest customers and enterprises, Darktrace continues to make significant technology investments and further expand globally to ensure its platform stays ahead of changing cyber threats. is needed.”
If the sale goes through, Darktrace shareholders will receive $7.75 per share, a 20% premium over the London-listed company's closing price on April 25, the last business day before the announcement. The amount will be the amount.
A previous attempt by Thoma Bravo to acquire Darktrace failed in 2022 after the two companies were unable to agree on terms.
Cybersecurity companies implementing AI are in high demand. For example, Cisco Systems (CSCO) acquired cybersecurity provider Splunk for $28 billion in March.
