Private equity firm Thoma Bravo continues to acquire cybersecurity technology and software companies. The latest target involves buying email security provider Proofpoint for $12.3 billion, Thoma Bravo disclosed today.
This is technology M&A deal number 245 that ChannelE2E has covered so far in 2021. See all technology M&A deals for 2021 and 2020 listed here.
Proofpoint: Seeking Higher Buyout Price?
Still, this is not a done deal. The Thoma Bravo-Proofpoint buyout agreement includes a 45-day “go-shop” period — which allows Proofpoint to pursue alternative acquisition proposals from other potential suitors. The go-shop period expires on June 9, 2021.
Thoma Bravo has been an active investor and buyer in the cybersecurity market. The company’s key investments include Barracuda Networks and Sophos, among many other firms.
The private equity firm also owns and/or has investments in MSP-centric technology platform providers such as ConnectWise and N-able (formerly SolarWinds MSP).
Thoma Bravo: More Private Equity Acquisitions Coming
It's a safe bet Thoma Bravo will remain in acquisition mode. The private equity firm in October 2020 raised $22.8 billion to acquire and/or invest in more technology companies, The Wall Street Journal reported at the time.
