M86 snaps up Finjan

Ex-Finjan boss oversees acquisition of former employer just seven months after leaving

Vigouroux: With my knowledge of Finjan's business, we are confident about our aggressive integration plan

Web and messaging security vendor M86 Security is back on the acquisition trail after snapping up secure web gateway specialist Finjan.

The deal comes just seven months after Finjan's chief executive John Vigouroux and vice president of product management Werner Thalmeier left to assume the same roles at M86. The acquisition covers Finjan's operations, products and proprietary technology, all of which will be immediately merged into M86.

A development centre and other operations in Netanya, Israel will remain open while Finjan's Malicious Code Research Centre will merge into M86 Security Labs. The two firms claimed this would give them a "comprehensive email and web threat research organisation".

M86 was formed less than a year ago through the merger of US firm 8e6 and Basingstoke-based Marshal. Blended threat specialist Avinti was added to the mix in March after being acquired for an undisclosed sum. The Finjan deal will give M86 a total of more than 300 employees.

Vigouroux said: "With M86’s complementary email security and reporting products and worldwide distribution, we anticipate a broad opportunity for Finjan’s enterprise-class web security solutions to existing and new customers.

"With my knowledge of Finjan’s business, coupled with Werner’s deep technical knowledge of the products, we are confident about our aggressive plan to integrate its secure web gateway into the M86 product line."

Gadi Maier, Vigouroux's replacement as Finjan chief executive, added: “Finjan is well known for its advanced malware detection technology and leading secure web gateway and hybrid software-as-a-service solutions. Integrating it into M86’s broader web and messaging product lines and utilising its worldwide distribution is a win-win for M86 Security and Finjan.”