Israel-based internet security company Check Point has agreed to acquire Nokia’s security appliance business for an undisclosed sum.

Nokia’s security appliance business develops security platforms optimised for firewall, virtual private network, and unified threat management software. More than 220,000 Nokia appliances have been installed with over 23,000 customers worldwide.

Check Point focuses on information security with its unified gateway, single endpoint agent and single management architecture. It is a major player in enterprise firewall, personal firewall/endpoint, data security and VPN markets.

The deal is the result of a longstanding relationship between the companies, which have collaborated for over a decade to deliver enterprise security applications. Check Point said the acquisition, which is expected to be completed by next March, will boost sales by more than $100m in 2009.

Gil Shwed, chairman and CEO at Check Point, said: As a pioneer in security appliances, the Nokia security appliance business has been an important strategic partner for Check Point and has helped us achieve early leadership in the security appliance market. Adding Nokia’s security appliance portfolio into Check Point’s broad range of security solutions is the natural conclusion of our long collaboration.