The French aerospace and defense group Thales has bought 100% of the United States-based data and application cybersecurity company, Imperva, owned by the investment fund specialized in technology companies Thoma Bravo, for an enterprise value of 3,259 million euros (3,600 million dollars),
Following this new acquisition, the cybersecurity company will reinforce the growth of Thales’ data security activities. Not only that, but it will also allow the French group to enter the application security market. In total, Thales’ cybersecurity business will represent sales of more than 2.4 billion euros, while the company has explained that 99.58 million euros (110 million dollars) will be reached in cost and revenue synergies “at cruising speed”.
Thus, Thales has stressed that this acquisition may have a significant positive effect on earnings per share in the medium term, while stressing that the integration of Imperva will result in a significant increase in potential markets for the French group.
Thales announces new financial targets
Likewise, the company has highlighted that the new financial objectives for Thales’ Digital Identity and Security (DIS) business are an organic growth in sales of 6% to 7% in the period 2024-2027, and an Ebit margin of 16.5% in 2027.
Thales has highlighted that the transactions are expected to close in early 2024, once the usual regulatory and antitrust approvals are completed. For the president and CEO of Thales, Patrice Caine, with this acquisition, the French group seizes a “unique” opportunity to accelerate its cybersecurity capabilities.
