McAfee bolsters its "Security Connected" initiative as it acquires Finland-based next-generation firewall (NGFW) vendor Stonesoft for $389 million in cash.
Stonesoft makes software-based cyber security solutions handling information flow and simplifying security management, with a portfolio of NGFWs, evasion prevention systems and SSL VPN solutions designed for enterprise customers of all sizes.
A number of Stonesoft products have military operations-- making the acquisition subject to Finnish laws governing transfer of Finnish companies to foreign ownership-- and rumour has it the US military is one of company's 6500 global customers.
“With the pending addition of Stonesoft’s products and services, McAfee is making a significant investment in next-generation firewall technology," McAfee says. "These solutions anticipate emerging customer needs in a continually evolving threat landscape. Stonesoft is a leading innovator in this important market segment."
Stonesoft will remain based in Helsinki, Finland, and becomes the 6th European McAfee base of operations.