Google in Talks for Largest-Ever Acquisition: $23 Billion Deal with Cybersecurity Firm Wiz
Google, one of the world’s most valuable companies, is on the verge of its largest-ever acquisition with plans to acquire cybersecurity firm Wiz for a whopping $23 billion. This deal would surpass Google’s previous high of $12.5 billion for Motorola Mobility in 2012.
The negotiations, reported by The Wall Street Journal, are still in progress, but Google is pushing forward despite potential regulatory obstacles. The tech giant aims to strengthen its cloud-computing division and compete with industry leaders like Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Azure.
This move comes amidst increasing scrutiny of big mergers under President Biden’s administration. Regulators have blocked several acquisitions by major tech firms recently, signaling a tough stance on corporate consolidation. Despite this, Google is determined to diversify its revenue streams beyond online advertising and establish a strong presence in the cybersecurity space.
Google has been strategically enhancing its cloud computing capabilities through acquisitions, with cybersecurity becoming a key focus. The acquisition of Wiz, known for helping companies like BMW, Slack, and Morgan Stanley mitigate security risks, would further solidify Google’s position in the cybersecurity market.
Founded in Israel in 2020 and now headquartered in New York, Wiz has seen rapid growth, with annual recurring revenue hitting $350 million. The potential acquisition would not only be a significant milestone for Google but also a strategic move to bolster its offerings to business customers and strengthen its foothold in the cloud-computing industry.