Intel Acquires McAfee for US$7.68bn
Intel Corporation has agreed to acquire McAfee for approximately US$7.68bn. Both boards of directors have unanimously approved the deal, which is expected to close after McAfee shareholder approval, regulatory clearances and other customary conditions specified in the agreement.
The acquisition reflects the fact 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. Providing protection to a diverse online world requires a fundamentally new approach involving software, hardware and services.
Inside Intel, the company has elevated the priority of security to be on par with its strategic focus areas in energy-efficient performance and internet connectivity.
“With the rapid expansion of growth across a vast array of internet-connected devices, more and more of the elements of our lives have moved online,” said Paul Otellini, Intel president and chief executive officer (CEO). “In the past, energy-efficient performance and connectivity have defined computing requirements. Looking forward, security will join those as a third pillar of what people demand from all computing experiences.
“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,” Otellini added.