Palo Alto opens UK headquarters amid M&A reports

Cybersecurity specialist teases plans to create 485 new roles

California-based cybersecurity specialist, Palo Alto Networks, has unveiled its new UK headquarters.

Based in the City of London, the firm plans to use the new location as a hub from which to expand its UK operations.

The new office will be home to several functions, including sales, customer support, systems engineers, and Unit 42 threat intelligence experts, according to a company announcement.

The cybersecurity firm announced plans to create 485 new cybersecurity jobs in the UK over the next five years and will specifically focus on growing its Unit 42 threat intelligence, cyber advisory and incident response capabilities in the UK.

"As the UK works towards achieving the Government's ambition of becoming a technology and scientific superpower by 2030, cybersecurity will be critical to its success.

"As new technologies transform how organisations across the UK operate, they are fuelling a rapid increase in cyber threats that directly impact the levels of resilience and trust in an interconnected economy," commented Helmut Reisinger, CEO of EMEA and LATAM.

"We are thrilled to welcome our customers, partners, and employees to our new headquarters in London, and we look forward to expanding our UK operations as we invest to safeguard the UK's digital future."

The company collaborates with public and private partners to deliver educational programmes and content to demonstrate new career pathways available for everyone, regardless of background or level of experience.

In the UK, Palo Alto Networks is partnering with the UK's National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) CyberFirst Girls Competition, to help inspire young people interested in technology to pursue a career in cyber security.

Palo Alto Networks first established a presence in the UK in 2009.

"Our new UK headquarters and continued investment in the UK builds on Palo Alto Networks commitment to the UK over the past 14 years, and will create new jobs and enhance our ability to help our customers stay ahead of emerging cyber threats," said Gavin Mee, VP of northern and western Europe at Palo Alto Networks.

"As the digitalisation of industries in the UK accelerates, cybercriminals are becoming more sophisticated, innovative, and persistent, and we see it as our mission to protect the growth of the UK with the very best cybersecurity platforms".

The announcement comes on the heels of last week's reports that the cybersecurity giant is in talks to acquire two startups, Talon Cyber Security and Dig Security, totalling up to $1bn.