Sophos Acquires Secureworks in $859M Deal to Lead Cybersecurity MDR Services

Deal News | Feb 03, 2025 | Thoma Bravo

Sophos, a major force in global cybersecurity solutions and backed by the prominent investment firm Thoma Bravo, has completed its acquisition of Secureworks, a fellow leader in the field. The transaction, valued at $859 million, completes Sophos's ambition to become the leading pure-play provider of Managed Detection and Response (MDR) services, enhancing its capacity to support over 28,000 organizations worldwide. This deal allows Sophos to integrate Secureworks' innovative threat detection technologies and expand its operations via a security platform capable of providing adaptive protection through substantial built-in integrations. Sophos CEO Joe Levy emphasized the company's robust capabilities in AI-enhanced cybersecurity, aiming to offer unparalleled protection across various infrastructures. Financially advised by major banks, this acquisition reflects a strategic expansion into identity threat detection and next-gen security information management. Following deal completion, Secureworks has delisted from Nasdaq, and both entities continue existing operational duties while planning future business and technology integration. Despite the merger's promising outlook, forward-looking caution is expressed citing potential risks from global events, economic changes, and regulatory developments.

Sectors

  • Cybersecurity
  • Financial Services
  • Private Equity

Geography

  • United Kingdom – Sophos is headquartered in Oxford, UK, reflecting its origin and operational base.
  • United States – Secureworks, headquartered in Atlanta, was traded on Nasdaq until this acquisition, marking significant U.S. involvement in this global cybersecurity deal.

Industry

  • Cybersecurity – The acquisition of Secureworks by Sophos highlights the dynamic nature of the cybersecurity industry, particularly in Managed Detection and Response (MDR) services.
  • Financial Services – The transaction involved multiple financial advisory roles with key banks such as Goldman Sachs and UBS Investment Bank, relevant to the structure and financing of the deal.
  • Private Equity – Thoma Bravo, a significant software investment firm, backs Sophos, indicating the involvement of private equity in strategic industry acquisitions.

Financials

  • $859 million – The acquisition price paid by Sophos to acquire Secureworks.
  • $8.50 per share – The cash price per share that Secureworks shareholders received.
  • 28% premium – Represents the premium over Secureworks' 90-day volume-weighted average share price paid in the acquisition.

Participants

NameRoleTypeDescription
SophosAcquirerCompanyA global leader in cybersecurity solutions focusing on Managed Detection and Response services.
SecureworksTarget CompanyCompanyPreviously a Nasdaq-listed cybersecurity firm, known for its threat detection technologies.
Thoma BravoPrivate Equity FirmCompanyA leading software investment firm backing the acquisition.
Dell TechnologiesShareholderCompanyMajor shareholder of Secureworks prior to acquisition.
Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC.Financial AdvisorCompanyAdvised Sophos during the acquisition.
BarclaysFinancial AdvisorCompanyAdvised Sophos during the acquisition.
BofA SecuritiesFinancial AdvisorCompanyAdvised Sophos during the acquisition.
HSBC Securities (USA) Inc.Financial AdvisorCompanyAdvised Sophos during the acquisition.
UBS Investment BankFinancial AdvisorCompanyAdvised Sophos during the acquisition.
Kirkland & Ellis LLPLegal AdvisorCompanyProvided legal counsel to Sophos for the transaction.
Piper Sandler & CompanyFinancial AdvisorCompanyAdvised Secureworks during the acquisition.
Morgan Stanley & Co. LLCFinancial AdvisorCompanyAdvised Secureworks during the acquisition.
Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLPLegal AdvisorCompanyProvided legal counsel to Secureworks for the transaction.