Thoma Bravo, the private equity investment firm, has announced that it will acquire Veracode Software, the provider in next-generation application security testing (AST), from Broadcom Inc. for $950 million.

Currently, a division of Broadcom Inc. Veracode’s SaaS platform and integrated solutions help security teams and software developers find and fix security-related defects at all points in the software development lifecycle.

The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2018, subject to usual and customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals.

The partnership with Thoma Bravo is expected to support Veracode’s future operational and product development plans.

Managing risk

With broad language, framework and testing technology coverage, the Veracode Application Security Platform offers a holistic, scalable way to manage security risk across an entire application lifecycle — according to the announcement:

‘Leveraging a wide range of security testing and threat mitigation techniques, combined with best practices derived from the most innovative application security programs in enterprises globally, customers are given the keys to transforming how they build and buy software by deeply integrating security into their software development lifecycles and enabling DevSecOps processes. Veracode’s Application Security Platform has received consistent industry recognition.’

Merger and Acquisitions in 2018: What can be expected from tech?

Has Brexit propelled UK companies to consider M&A beyond just Europe? Can the tech sector expect a rush to acquire companies abroad as March 2019 approaches? Read here

“Software security is one of the most consequential issues facing companies as they look to compete in the digital economy. We are proud that our SaaS security platform combines multiple application security testing solutions, helping our customers around the world secure the software powering their companies and enabling them to focus on their core business objectives,” said Sam King, current Senior Vice President and General Manager of Veracode, who will become the CEO of Veracode following the close of the transaction. “Partnering with Thoma Bravo, a proven security software investor, is expected to extend our market reach and further fuel our innovation so that we can offer the broadest software security platform and empower us to accelerate growth — all to allow us to transform the way companies achieve their software security goals.”

“As long-term investors in cybersecurity software, we are impressed with the speed and quality of innovation at Veracode,” said Seth Boro, a managing partner at Thoma Bravo. “Sam King and her team are seasoned, proven operators addressing a critical security problem in application development and delivering best in class products to a rapidly growing customer base for over 10 years. We are excited to be partnering with the Veracode leadership team to build upon this strong foundation and continue to drive innovation for customers.”

Securing the digital economy

Securing software is a critical part of growing the digital economy. Veracode’s pure SaaS platform is positioned to address this market opportunity. Currently it serves more than 2,000 customers across a wide range of industries, including nearly one-third of the Fortune 100, and more than 20 of Forbes’ 100 Most Valuable Brands.

The importance of AI in mergers and acquisitions

Mergers and acquisitions worldwide hit an all-time high during the first half of 2018, but how crucial is AI in this process? Read here

“In today’s digital economy practically every company is turning into a software company through their own digital transformation. As these companies continue to build complex applications, many of which contain sensitive data, the applications themselves increasingly become the target of more sophisticated and omnipresent cyber attacks. As such, applications need to be built with security in mind day one, and we see a significant, growing market opportunity for Veracode’s product offerings,” said Chip Virnig, a partner at Thoma Bravo.

Thoma Bravo has extensive experience investing in the cyber security software sector, and has completed more than 30 total acquisitions of enterprise security companies to date, including SailPoint, Barracuda Networks, LogRhythm, Bomgar, BlueCoat Systems, SonicWall and Entrust. The firm also has years of experience effectively executing software “carve-outs” and driving growth and productivity in newly created platform companies, including Digital Insight, McAfee, Kofax and Dynatrace.

Kirkland & Ellis is serving as Thoma Bravo’s legal advisor.