Symantec to acquire Brightmail

Security vendor Symantec is to buy anti-spam technology provider Brightmail for US$370 million (AU$532 million) in cash.

Should the deal go through, Symantec will add Brightmail's filtering technology to its array of gateway security products. The acquisition, conditioned upon customary regulatory approval, is expected to close by early July. 

“Spam has increasingly become one of the most severe threats to individuals and enterprises today, topping viruses as the number one problem plaguing email systems and administrators,” said John W. Thompson, Symantec chairman and chief executive officer. “Brightmail is the leader in helping enterprises, service providers, and wireless carriers mitigate this threat.  Their patented technology is a critical component of a comprehensive gateway security solution.”

Symantec first invested in Brightmail in July 2000 and currently holds an approximately 11 percent equity stake in the company.  Subsequent to the filing of a registration statement in March 2004 for an initial public offering, Brightmail’s board of directors and stockholders determined the combination with Symantec to be a more favourable strategic alternative.

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