Cybersecurity solutions firm Imperva today announced that it has agreed to be acquired by private equity firm Thoma Bravo for roughly $2.1 billion in cash.
Imperva, which provides solutions such as DDoS protection, Web Application Firewall (WAF), and database security tools, said the company’s Board of Directors unanimously approved the agreement and believes the transaction will maximize stockholder value.
Under the terms of the agreement, Imperva stockholders will receive $55.75 per share in cash.
Upon the close of the transaction, Imperva will operate as a privately-held company and will maintain its corporate headquarters in Redwood Shores, California and continue to be led by its current executive team.
While Thoma Bravo is hopefull that the deal will close, the merger agreement provides for a 45-day “go-shop” period, during which Imperva’s Board and advisors may actively solicit alternative acquisition proposals and enter into negotiations with other parties.
“During this period, Imperva will have the right to terminate the merger agreement to enter into a superior proposal subject to the terms and conditions of the merger agreement. There can be no assurance this 45-day “go-shop” period will result in a superior proposal. Imperva does not intend to disclose developments about this process unless and until its Board has made a decision with respect to any potential superior proposal,” Imperva said.
Thoma Bravo has placed several large bets through investments in cybersecurity space in recent years.
In May, it announced that it would acquire a majority interest in Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) solutions vendor LogRhythm. In June, the firm acquired a majority interest in identity and access management (IAM) solutions firm Centrify.
Other investments in the sector include SonicWall, SailPoint, Hyland Software, Deltek, Blue Coat Systems, Imprivata, Bomgar, Barracuda Networks, Compuware and SolarWinds.
“Thoma Bravo has an excellent track record of supporting and adding value to leading cybersecurity companies, and we are delighted to bring on a partner with their caliber of strategic expertise,” said Chris Hylen, President and CEO of Imperva. “This transaction will provide immediate and substantial value to Imperva stockholders. The company will have greater flexibility to focus on executing our long-term strategy. We are excited to begin our partnership with Thoma Bravo.”
