Intel has entered into a deal to acquire McAfee for approximately US$7.68 billion.
Intel makes computer chips and McAfee specialises in security. The acquisition recognises that security is now a fundamental component of online computing.
“Today's security approach does not fully address the billions of new internet-ready devices connecting, including mobile and wireless devices, TVs, cars, medical devices and ATM machines as well as the accompanying surge in cyber threats,” said Intel. “Providing protection to a diverse online world requires a fundamentally new approach involving software, hardware and services.”
Highlights of the deal include:
- Acquisition enables a combination of security software and hardware from one company to ultimately better protect consumers, corporations and governments as billions of devices - and the server and cloud networks that manage them - go online.
- 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 these billions of devices connect.
- Intel has 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.
"The addition of McAfee products and technologies into the Intel computing portfolio brings us incredibly talented people with a track record of delivering security innovations, products and services that the industry and consumers trust to make connecting to the Internet safer and more secure."