McAfee Acquistion Strengthens Network Security Portfolio

Network security is a vital component of a comprehensive security solution. McAfee (News - Alert), a wholly owned subsidiary of Intel Corporation and a security technology company specializing in security solutions and services, is all set to grow its network security business by acquiring Stonesoft Oyj, an innovator in next-generation network firewall products.

The agreement was signed for an aggregate equity value of approximately $389 million in cash.

Next-generation firewalls solve critical customer needs and represent one of the fastest growing market segments in network security. Stonesoft’s next-generation firewall, when combined with McAfee’s IPS and high assurance firewall, is believed to provide its customers with one of the most complete network security portfolios in the industry.

With the pending addition of Stonesoft’s products and services, McAfee is making a significant investment in next-generation firewall technology. These solutions anticipate emerging customer needs in a continually evolving threat landscape.

 “We plan to integrate Stonesoft’s offerings with other McAfee products to realize the power of McAfee’s Security Connected strategy. Stonesoft products will benefit from the collective expertise of more than 7,200 McAfee employees. Leveraging McAfee’s cloud-based Global Threat Intelligence service will provide our combined customers with unparalleled security,” Michael DeCesare, president at McAfee said in a statement.

With Stonesoft, McAfee can now deliver a complete network security solution which will include; McAfee’s IPS Network Security Platform, McAfee’s Firewall Enterprise for the high assurance market segment, and Stonesoft’s next-generation firewall.

“Combined, we believe we can offer our customers a world-class product portfolio with world-class support – all backed by Intel (News - Alert),” Ilkka Hiidenheimo, chief executive officer of Stonesoft noted.

Stonesoft’s product portfolio of next-generation firewalls, evasion prevention systems, and SSL VPN solutions addresses businesses of all sizes. Through the pending acquisition of Stonesoft, McAfee expects to extend its leadership position in network security.