EQT Acquires Majority Stake in Acronis for $4 Billion
EQT Acquires Majority Stake in Cybersecurity Firm Acronis
The latest in cybersecurity news is the acquisition of a majority stake in Acronis by EQT, a significant move that has stirred the industry. Acronis, renowned for its data protection and cloud security solutions, caters to over 20,000 service providers and more than 750,000 businesses. The valuation of this deal places Acronis at approximately $4 billion, a notable increase from its previous valuation of $3.5 billion.
The growth trajectory of Acronis is evident, with a remarkable 40% surge in annual recurring revenue from its cloud business. Originating in 2003 and initially headquartered in Singapore, Acronis now offers a wide array of services ranging from data recovery to anti-malware solutions.
Noteworthy is the intention of the founders, Serg Bell and Stanislav Protassov, to retain a significant stake while redirecting attention towards their new venture, the Constructor Group, which delves into AI and the metaverse.
This acquisition underscore private equity as a prevalent exit strategy for tech companies, especially in light of the challenging nature of IPOs. With EQT as its new backer, Acronis looks forward to a promising future, as expressed by CEO Ezequiel Steiner and partner Johannes Reichel.
Key Takeaways
- EQT's acquisition values Acronis at around $4 billion, bringing about strategic shifts in the cybersecurity landscape.
- With a substantial client base, Acronis witnesses an impressive 40% annual revenue growth in its cloud business.
- Insightful foresight from the founders and investors results in the retention of minority stakes post-acquisition.
- EQT's investment solidifies Acronis's expansion plans and propels its growth trajectory forward.
Analysis
The acquisition of Acronis by EQT has the potential to elevate its market presence and research and development capabilities, possibly causing disruptions in the cybersecurity domain. This move not only ensures financial stability for Acronis in the short term but also unlocks strategic avenues for EQT. In the long run, innovative security solutions may influence global data protection standards. The founders' continued involvement underlines their enduring influence, while Constructor Group's foray into AI and the metaverse gains renewed focus. This acquisition exemplifies the vital role of private equity in driving tech expansion, standing in contrast to the unpredictable nature of IPO markets.
Did You Know?
- EQT: As a leading global private equity group, EQT focuses on investing in companies with strong market positions, scalable business models, and sustainable growth potential. Their involvement often signals a strategic move to enhance a company's growth trajectory through additional capital and operational support.
- Acronis: Specializing in cyber protection, Acronis offers innovative data protection, disaster recovery, and cybersecurity solutions. Catapulting from individual users to large enterprises, Acronis emphasizes the integration of data protection and cybersecurity.
- Metaverse: The metaverse denotes a collective virtual shared space, brought to life by the intersection of virtually enhanced physical reality, augmented reality, and the internet. It embodies the next-generation internet experience, enabling users to engage, work, and socialize in a highly immersive virtual environment, often facilitated by virtual reality technology.