Investcorp buys German cybersecurity firm, Avira

TDT | Manama

Investcorp Technology Partners, a leading European technology investor, yesterday said it has agreed to acquire Avira Holding GmbH & Co KG and ALV GmbH & Co KG (Avira) for US $180 million. Avira is a German-based, multinational cybersecurity software solutions firm serving the OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) and Consumer end markets, with over 500 million endpoints protected globally. Over its 30+ year history, the company has developed particular strengths in Anti-Malware, Threat Intelligence and IoT solutions. The acquisition represents the first institutional investment in Avira since it was founded in 1986 by Tjark Auerbach.

Commenting on the move, Gilbert Kamieniecky, Managing Director and Head of Investcorp’s Technology Private Equity business, said: “Avira represents an attractive opportunity to invest in a cybersecurity business and marks our third investment in the DACH tech sector in the last 18 months. With our long history of working with cybersecurity, IoT and data-driven businesses, Investcorp is looking forward to supporting Avira’s targeted growth trajectory and expansion plans.” Travis Witteveen, Chief Executive Officer of Avira added: “The investment confirms our business strategy and enables us to further accelerate our profitable growth in the consumer and OEM market segments.” The acquisition remains subject to anti-trust approval.