Webroot has hinted it could raid the bank to make a bolt-on software-as-a-service (SaaS) acquisition as it looks to bolster its EMEA channel.

The security vendor has strengthened its SaaS business unit with the appointment of two industry specialists. This includes former Websense UK sales director Mark Tickle, who has been named managing director of SaaS in EMEA.

Webroot also has a cash-generative anti-spyware software business, which Tickle said would help fund development of its SaaS capabilities around archiving and encryption.

“We are in conversations with a number of technology vendors,” he said. “It may be an acquisition or a partnership, but we will look to gain third party expertise in those areas.”

Tickle added that Webroot would look to double its active UK SaaS reseller base to 80 this year. That will be supported by an increase in its channel team, with plans to recruit at least six more SaaS channel account management heads in the second half of 2009.

Simon Kean, managing director of Webroot reseller Data Connect, said: “Webroot has been proactive in investigating new services and adding to its core products. The fact it is making these noises is positive.”