Sophos Swoops on SecureWorks in £692m Deal
Deal News | Feb 04, 2025 | Business Cloud
Sophos, a UK-based cybersecurity firm previously taken private by US private equity firm Thoma Bravo, has acquired SecureWorks, a Nasdaq-listed company primarily owned by Dell. The acquisition, valued at approximately £692 million, positions Sophos as the largest pure-play provider of managed detection and response services globally. SecureWorks, known for its Counter Threat Unit specializing in advanced persistent threats, will integrate into Sophos's X-Ops threat response team. Despite the acquisition, both companies will continue to operate under their own brands. Sophos CEO Joe Levy highlights the deal as a strategic move to enhance the company's security operations platform, promising improved protection, detection, and significant returns on cybersecurity investments for their client base.
Sectors
- Cybersecurity
- Private Equity
- Technology
Geography
- United Kingdom – Sophos, the acquiring company, is based in Abingdon, Oxfordshire, UK.
- United States – SecureWorks is Nasdaq-listed and primarily owned by Dell, a US-based technology giant.
Industry
- Cybersecurity – The acquisition involves two companies operating in the cybersecurity sector, focusing on managed detection and response services.
- Private Equity – Sophos, the acquiring company, was taken private by the US private equity firm Thoma Bravo, highlighting the role of private equity in the transaction.
- Technology – SecureWorks is a technology company providing cybersecurity services, and Dell, its primary owner, is a major technology corporation.
Financials
- £692 million – The acquisition price for SecureWorks, paid by Sophos.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sophos | Acquirer | Company | A UK-based cybersecurity company formerly listed in London, now owned by Thoma Bravo. |
| SecureWorks | Target Company | Company | A Nasdaq-listed cybersecurity company primarily owned by Dell. |
| Thoma Bravo | Private Equity Owner of Sophos | Company | A US private equity firm that took Sophos private in a £3 billion deal in 2020. |
| Dell | Vendor / Selling Company | Company | An American technology giant which has been seeking a buyer for SecureWorks. |