Alphabet Inc. is set to acquire cybersecurity startup Wiz for $32 billion in an all-cash deal, marking the largest acquisition in the Google parent company’s history.
The acquisition surpasses the $23 billion offer Google had previously extended for Wiz before regulatory concerns stalled negotiations. This move underscores Alphabet’s growing focus on cybersecurity, reinforcing its position in the cloud computing sector.
The Wiz acquisition eclipses Alphabet’s previous record-breaking buyout of Motorola Mobility for $12.5 billion in 2012. Other notable acquisitions include the 2022 purchase of Mandiant for $5.4 billion and Nest Labs, which was acquired in 2014 for $3.2 billion.
Alphabet has consistently pursued strategic deals to strengthen its technological capabilities, as evidenced by its acquisitions of DoubleClick in 2008 for $3.1 billion and Looker in 2020 for $2.6 billion.
The company’s history of major buyouts includes Fitbit, which was acquired in 2021 for $2.1 billion, and YouTube, purchased in a $1.65 billion stock-for-stock deal in 2006. Additionally, Alphabet’s expansion in mobile technology saw the acquisition of part of HTC’s smartphone operations for $1.1 billion in 2018, followed by the 2013 purchase of Waze for $0.97 billion.
AdMob, a mobile advertising platform, was also acquired in 2010 for $0.75 billion in an all-stock deal.
With Wiz’s acquisition, Alphabet is making a significant push into cloud security, a move that aligns with the industry’s increasing demand for advanced cybersecurity solutions. The deal is expected to close in 2026, pending regulatory approvals.
