by Dan Kobialka • Apr 25, 2022
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has submitted a second request to Google for more information about the company’s planned acquisition of Mandiant.
Both Google and Mandiant are expected to respond to the request and work with the DOJ as it conducts its review, according to a regulatory filing. The companies still expect the transaction to close by the end of 2022.
Google in March 2022 disclosed plans to acquire Mandiant to boost its Google Cloud security business. At the time, Google apparently was competing with Microsoft to acquire Mandiant, but Microsoft reportedly walked away from the deal.
Meanwhile, Big Tech — companies like Apple, Facebook owner Meta, Google owner Alphabet, and Microsoft — continue to attract more antitrust scrutiny worldwide.
A Closer Look at the Google-Mandiant Deal
Google agreed to buy Mandiant for $5.4 billion. As part of the deal, Mandiant would join Google Cloud, the companies indicated.
With Mandiant, Google Cloud will deliver an end-to-end security operations suite and advisory services, the companies noted. It also would help organizations address security challenges at every stage of the security lifecycle.
Prior to announcing plans to purchase Mandiant, Google acquired Siemplify, a security information and event management (SIEM) platform provider, in January 2022. It also invested in Cybereason, an eXtended detection and response (XDR) software company, in October 2021.
Meanwhile, Mandiant separated from FireEye in 2021. At this time, Mandiant operated as a publicly traded company.
What Does the Future Hold for Google in the Global Managed Security Services Market?
Google’s acquisition of Mandiant and other cybersecurity companies could help the company extend its reach in the global managed security services market. However, Google could face steep competition as it tries to partner with MSSPs.
Microsoft and Amazon Web Services (AWS) continue to explore MSSP partnership opportunities. Both companies offer initiatives designed to help MSSPs use their offerings to deliver new managed security services.
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