UPDATED: Sophos acquires Cyberoam

Sophos has acquired Cyberoam Technologies to expand its network security portfolio.

Cyberoam is an Indian security vendor formed in 1999 and based in Ahmedabad. The company has a strong channel focus with a network of 5500 partners mainly in India, the Middle East and Africa.

Sophos CEO, Kris Hagerman, said that the acquisition of Cyberoam gives the company access to the right markets at the right time.

“The acquisition expands and accelerates our network security roadmap to grow our presence in UTM, advanced threat protection, wireless and next generation firewall, some of the fastest growing markets in all of IT,” he said.

Hagerman also said the merger provides "exciting opportunities" for Sophos to grow its channel partners and customers.

The merger adds Cyberoam's 65,000 customers to Sophos' client base and 550 additional staff. The combined companies will have a workforce of over 2200, with more than 600 focused on network security and 305 in research and development.

Sophos managing director Asia Pacific, Stuart Fisher, added that Cyberoam was also selected due to its capabilities in unified threat management (UTM), next-generation firewall and network security expertise made it an attractive prospect for Sophos.

Fisher reiterated that the acquisition was part of Sophos’ strategy to provide a comprehensive security solution for both its channel partners and end users. He expects to see great benefits for Sophos and its existing channel partners especially in Australia and New Zealand.

He said the purchase meant Sophos will be able to offer more comprehensive security solutions that will increase profitability through reduced technical cost for the clients and partners. Both channel partners and clients will need to employ fewer technicians to manage network security due to the comprehensive nature of the products they will be able to offer.

Fisher also said that there would be immediate revenue improvements for Sophos through procurement of Cyberoam’s market share in India, the Middle East and Africa.

There will be no change in the distribution structure of either entity according to Fisher. He said that current distributors of both companies will now be able to offer products from the other. There will be a six to twelve month transitional period where Cyberoam will operate as Cyberoam a Sophos company. Sophos is not commenting on the future of the Cyberoam brand beyond this time.

Fisher said that there are no immediate plans to cut staff at either company. He said that the personnel increase was beneficial when acquiring so many new customers and channel partners.