Cybersecurity firm Symantec and DigiCert, a provider of scalable identity and encryption solutions for the enterprise, has announced an agreement under which DigiCert will acquire Symantec’s Website Security and related PKI solutions. Under the terms of the agreement, Symantec will receive approximately $950 million in upfront cash proceeds and approximately a 30 percent stake in the common stock equity of the DigiCert business at the closing of the transaction.
According to both firms, the addition of Symantec’s website security solutions to DigiCert’s offerings will bring together the industry’s top talent and provide customers with an enhanced technology platform, unparalleled customer support and market-leading innovations. DigiCert will gain capabilities to take advantage of growth opportunities in IoT and bring new approaches to the SSL market. DigiCert will continue to operate from its headquarters in Lehi, Utah and will employ over 1,000 professionals.
“Transitioning our Website Security and related PKI solutions to DigiCert allows us to sharpen our enterprise focus on delivering unparalleled protection for the cloud generation through Symantec’s Integrated Cyber Defense Platform. As our recently announced deals with Fireglass and Skycure demonstrate, we are accelerating the pace of innovation we bring to market through a combination of acquisitions as well as development from the ground up,” said Symantec CEO Greg Clark.
The CEO further added that customers will have a “world-class experience with a company that offers a modern website PKI platform and is poised to lead the next generation of website security innovation.”
“I’m thrilled that our customers will benefit from a seamless transition to DigiCert, a company that is solely focused on delivering leading identity and encryption solutions. Symantec is deeply committed to the success of this transition for our customers.”
“We look forward to building a great security company and supporting all of Symantec’s and DigiCert’s customers well into the future. We have assembled the best team in the industry to help us deliver even better security solutions and service to our customers,” said DigiCert CEO John Merrill. “DigiCert is committed to providing the market with innovative products, the highest level of trust, and experienced leadership in the SSL and PKI community. We are excited about the opportunities ahead, and will work toward a smooth transition for customers and employees of Symantec’s Website Security business.”
DigiCert will continue to be led by CEO John Merrill and an executive team with significant industry experience. Given the shared commitment to customer service, existing Symantec Website Security customers will be able to transition to a new platform that meets all industry standards and browser requirements and provides the foundation for future innovation in the Certificate Authority space for the benefit of customers.
The transaction, which has been unanimously approved by the Symantec Board of Directors, is expected to be completed in the third quarter of fiscal 2018, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions.
