WatchGuard Technologies has completed the Panda Security endpoint protection software acquisition, which was announced in March 2020. WatchGuard resellers gain immediate access to Panda Security's product portfolio through a new early access program.
This was M&A deal Number 142 that MSSP Alert and ChannelE2E have covered so far in 2020. The list has since grown to more than 225 deals. See the complete M&A deal list here.
Panda is now a wholly-owned subsidiary of WatchGuard. The two companies are working to integrate their various cybersecurity products and services -- with a focus on advanced threat detection and response functionality, AI capabilities, behavior profiling techniques, security event correlation, as well as centralized management across network and endpoint security.
As part of the deal, Investing Profit Wisely (IPW) gains an ownership stake in WatchGuard -- joining existing shareholders Vector Capital and Francisco Partners.
WatchGuard Acquires Panda Security: Partner Strategy
WatchGuard resellers have an immediate doorway into the Panda Security product and service market. It's call the Panda Security Early Access program, which launched June 1.
The program empowers resellers to offer Panda Adaptive Defense 360, which includes both endpoint protection platform (EPP) and endpoint detection and response (EDR) capabilities, and Advanced Reporting Tool products.
The early access program includes training and internal deployment, as well as resale to end users.
WatchGuard Acquires Panda Security: Executive Perspectives
In a prepared statement about the completed acquisition, Prakash Panjwani, CEO of WatchGuard, said:
“Our customers and partners need access to enterprise-grade security built for the unique needs and requirements of the midmarket. WatchGuard is focused on delivering these security services via an MSP-focused security platform that simplifies every aspect of security delivery, and solidifying our position as the de facto security solution for the midmarket. The completed acquisition of Panda Security, and the subsequent integration of its portfolio into WatchGuard Cloud, represents a significant milestone for the company and will result in both immediate and long-term benefits for our customers and partners that will address common challenges with security complexity, rapidly changing network topologies, purchasing models, and more.”
Added Juan Santamaria Uriarte, CEO of Panda Security:
“I’m happy to join WatchGuard’s board of directors, and to continue advising on daily operations to help build an integrated company that provides the industry’s best security solution from network to endpoint. In its 30 years as a company, Panda has developed a strong culture of passion, dedication and commitment of excellence to our customers and each other. WatchGuard’s culture and focus mirrors our own, and as we begin a new chapter as members of the WatchGuard team, I’m excited by all that we’ll accomplish together.”
WatchGuard Acquires Panda Security: Competitive Considerations
Numerous cybersecurity software and hardware companies have made acquisitions or investments to connect the dots across cloud, network and endpoint security.
MSSP- and MSP-friendly companies making moves include Cisco Systems, Fortinet, Netsurion, SolarWinds MSP, SonicWall and Sophos, among others.
