Websense Advances Lead With SurfControl Acquisition

Earlier this quarter, Websense (NASDAQ:WBSN), a market-leading web security company, completed its acquisition of SurfControl (LSE:SRF), provider of on-demand Web and email security software solutions. 

In addition to being a significant cross-border transaction at over $400 million in value, the acquisition is illustrative of the strategic shift among leading IT security providers to build comprehensive solution frameworks and critical mass recently noted by Don More in Updata's Tech M&A Talk blog, "The Security Vendor-Customer Gap." 

Frost & Sullivan recognized Websense with the 2007 Award for Market Leadership in Content Filtering Solutions and anticipates the acquisition positions Websense for continuing success.  Terrence Brewton, research analyst at Frost & Sullivan said, "We believe that the Websense acquisitions will allow Websense to outpace larger security vendors Symantec and McAfee in content protection."

Updata Advisors acted as strategic advisor to SurfControl PLC.