Intel’s computer-security unit, McAfee, is drawing attention from several private equity firms as the company plans to divest the business.
Citing people familiar with the matter, Bloomberg reported that Thoma Bravo, Permira and Vista Equity Partners are among companies undertaking preliminary research on McAfee in case of a sale.
Intel has reportedly negotiated with banks on an auction of the unit, but the company is yet to appoint advisers.
The Financial Times reported last month that the chip maker is weighing options for the business.
Because of the weakening demand in the PC market, Intel is moving away from the segment in order to focus more on mobile segment and datacentres.
The move to divest McAfee is part of the chip maker’s plans to distance itself from the PC market.
Intel acquired McAfee in 2010 for $7.7bn in order to capitalise on the increasing popularity of antivirus software. However, the chipmaker did not reap any significant profits from the purchase.
Last year, Intel’s software and services segment, which also includes other offerings in addition to cyber security, reported $2.2bn in revenue and $210m in operating profit.
