Chip giant Intel acquired McAfee for $7.68 Billion
Intel has taken a big step forward, and has acquired the security giant McAfee Inc. for approximately $7.68 billion ($48 per share in cash). According to the statement issued by Intel, McAfee will continue to operate as a wholly-owned subsidiary, reporting to Intel’s Software and Services Group.
Intel added that the acquisition will enable them to provide a better combination of security software and hardware for protecting consumers, corporations and governments alike, especially once billions of their devices, server and cloud networks, all connect one day. The boards of directors of both companies have approved the deal, which is expected to close following shareholder approval and regulatory clearances.
Here’s the rationale for Intel:
- Intel elevates focus on security on par with energy-efficient performance and connectivity. The acquisition augments Intel’s mobile wireless strategy, helping to better assure customer and consumer security concerns as billions of devices connect.
- Intel has previously made a number of software-related acquisitions of leaders in their respective industries that also rely on great silicon, including Wind River, Havok and now McAfee.