Google has entered into a definitive agreement to purchase Wiz for $32bn, less than a year after the New York-based cloud security platform turned down a $23bn offer over antitrust concerns. The all-cash deal, which is Google’s largest acquisition to date, highlights the tech giant’s push to scale its cloud computing business as the AI sector experiences rapid growth.
The transaction is slated for completion in the next year, pending customary closing conditions and necessary regulatory approvals. Upon completion, Wiz will become part of Google Cloud. Google has also confirmed that Wiz’s products will continue to be accessible on major cloud services including Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, and Oracle Cloud, and will be offered through various partner security solutions.
“From its earliest days, Google’s strong security focus has made us a leader in keeping people safe online,” Google CEO Sundar Pichai said. “Today, businesses and governments that run in the cloud are looking for even stronger security solutions, and greater choice in cloud computing providers. Together, Google Cloud and Wiz will turbocharge improved cloud security and the ability to use multiple clouds.”
Reuters reported, quoting unnamed sources, that Google and Wiz remained in contact even after the latter rejected the $23bn offer last year. Discussions intensified over the last two months, with the anticipation of a more lenient antitrust review following President Donald Trump’s return to the White House.
The new agreement includes a reverse breakup fee of more than $3.2bn, which is provided by the acquirer as compensation if regulatory issues prevent the deal’s completion.
Google Cloud and Wiz’s combined future
In a blog post, Google noted that Wiz has long been a key partner to Google Cloud, and their union is set to fortify cloud security for their customers. The collaboration will seek to deliver a unified security platform, merging Wiz’s Cloud Security Platform with Google Security Operations. This platform is designed to secure cloud-native applications across all development stages, safeguarding everything from the code and CI/CD systems to the underlying infrastructure.
Moreover, said Google, the partnership will enhance threat intelligence capabilities and will work to transform cybersecurity by employing AI-powered agents that act as force multipliers for security teams, effectively extending their capabilities. The merger also promises to deliver measurable defence mechanisms, enabling organisations to proactively test and validate the strength of their security controls.
“Wiz and Google Cloud are fully committed to continue supporting and protecting customers across all major clouds, helping keep them safe and secure wherever they operate,” Wiz co-founder and CEO Assaf Rappaport said. “This is an exciting moment for our company, but an even more important one for customers and partners, as this acquisition will bolster our mission to improve security and prevent breaches by providing additional resources and deep AI expertise.”
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