Proofpoint Signs Definitive Agreement to Acquire Hornetsecurity
Deal News | May 15, 2025 | Thoma Bravo
Proofpoint, Inc., a prominent cybersecurity and compliance company, has announced its definitive agreement to acquire Hornetsecurity Group, a pan-European leader in AI-powered Microsoft 365 security solutions. This strategic acquisition is set to bolster Proofpoint’s capacity to offer human-centric security solutions on a global scale, particularly targeting small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs) through Managed Service Providers (MSPs). Hornetsecurity, with a commendable annual revenue of over $160 million and a growth rate exceeding 20%, will enhance Proofpoint’s service offerings by leveraging its robust MSP ecosystem. The acquisition, expected to be finalized in the latter half of 2025, aims to unify Hornetsecurity’s comprehensive M365 security solutions with Proofpoint’s expansive cybersecurity platform. This collaboration aspires to heighten protection for SMBs globally, leveraging combined threat intelligence and AI models to improve cybersecurity measures amidst increasing digital threats.
Sectors
- Cybersecurity
- Cloud Services
- Managed Service Providers (MSPs)
Geography
- United States – Proofpoint is based in Sunnyvale, California, indicating the U.S. as a key geography.
- Germany – Hornetsecurity is headquartered in Hanover, Germany, reflecting its European and global operation focus.
- Global – Both companies operate internationally, intending to expand their reach worldwide, reflecting the global context.
Industry
- Cybersecurity – The primary focus of the article, as it revolves around companies specializing in cybersecurity solutions for enterprises, especially human-centric security solutions.
- Cloud Services – Hornetsecurity's flagship 365 Total Protection is a cloud-based solution for Microsoft 365, highlighting the significance of cloud services in the acquisition.
- Managed Service Providers (MSPs) – The deal emphasizes expanding services through MSPs, making it a focus area for industry classification.
Financials
- Over $160 million – Annual recurring revenue (ARR) for Hornetsecurity.
- 20% year-over-year growth – Hornetsecurity's growth rate, indicating strong market demand and company performance.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proofpoint, Inc. | Acquirer | Company | A leading cybersecurity and compliance company focused on human-centric security solutions for organizations. |
| Hornetsecurity Group | Target Company | Company | A global leader in AI-powered security and compliance technology, particularly known for its Microsoft 365 services. |
| Sumit Dhawan | CEO of Proofpoint | Person | CEO of Proofpoint, leading the strategic direction of the company in acquiring Hornetsecurity. |
| Daniel Hofmann | CEO of Hornetsecurity | Person | Founder and CEO of Hornetsecurity, continuing post-acquisition to drive the company's strategic growth. |
| Thoma Bravo | Investor | Company | A Private Equity firm backing Proofpoint, facilitating this acquisition. |