Cisco to buy Web security firm
January 5, 2007
Cisco Systems Inc. said yesterday it will buy e-mail and Web security firm IronPort Systems Inc. for $830-million (U.S.) to tap growing demand for anti-virus and anti-spam software. The acquisition of the privately held software and equipment vendor is Cisco's latest move to grow by integrating niche technologies that complement its main product line of routers and switches, which direct Internet traffic. Cisco said the acquisition would enable the company to offer corporate clients a more comprehensive range of products. IronPort is known for "reputation filters" that block spam by examining a sender's record. Cisco said it would pay for IronPort with a combination of cash and stock and the deal is expected to close in the fiscal third quarter, which ends in late April. CSCO (Nasdaq) rose 73 cents (U.S.) to $28.46.
