The acquisition of Netasq strengthens Cassidian CyberSecurity’s product and service portfolio
Strategic step towards a European Centre of Competence for integrated network security solutions
Netasq is one of the leading French companies in the development of innovative integrated solutions for network security
Cassidian CyberSecurity has signed an agreement to acquire 100 percent of Netasq, leading expert and pioneer in the IT security market. Netasq employs a workforce of more than 120 people. Closing of the acquisition is subject to customary regulatory approvals for such type of transactions. This acquisition represents a strategic step in establishing a European Centre of Competence dedicated to next-generation integrated security solutions.
Jean-Michel Orozco, General manager – Sales and programs of Cassidian CyberSecurity, states: “We are delighted to enhance our portfolio with Netasq’s innovative and complementary technologies, which will allow us to break into new markets.”
François Lavaste, President of Netasq, adds: “The signing of this agreement is excellent news for the Netasq teams, who are joining a group with international standing, providing them with access to new markets. It is also good for our customers and sales partners, who can pursue with confidence both Netasq’s technological innovation and its indirect sales strategy.”
Gathering all of EADS’ cyber security competences together, Cassidian CyberSecurity intends to establish itself as key player in the market for the security of government IT networks, critical infrastructures for strategic industries and, with the acquisition of Netasq, in the market for companies of all sizes.
Founded in 1998, Netasq is one of the leading companies in the field of IP network protection; its trusted solutions, which are EU and NATO certified (EAL4+), integrate intrusion prevention functionalities, firewalls, anti-virus and anti-spyware protection as well as anti-spam and content filtering. With teams and technologies focused on innovation, Netasq will keep its operational autonomy and will continue to serve its clients, both in France and abroad. Cassidian CyberSecurity as a systems integrator will dispose of an even more comprehensive portfolio, mastering information systems security across the entire scope of its activities.
The integration of this service specialising in IP network security allows Cassidian CyberSecurity to complement its product and service portfolio, which rests on three pillars: The “Cyber Defence & Professional Services” pillar is focused on high-grade professional services and establishing operational security centres. The second named “Trusted infrastructure” is aimed at developing trusted technologies (cryptography, digital identity management) and high-security national solutions, and the last “Secure Mobility”, enables the supply of products and services for next-generation mobile device security (voice, data, applications)
About CASSIDIAN (www.cassidian.com)
Cassidian, an EADS company, is a worldwide leader in global security solutions and systems, providing Lead Systems Integration and value-added products and services to civil and military customers around the globe: air systems (aircraft and unmanned aerial systems), land, naval and joint systems, intelligence and surveillance, cyber security, secure communications, test systems, missiles, services and support solutions. In 2011, Cassidian – with around 28,000 employees – achieved revenues of € 5.8 billion. EADS is a global leader in aerospace, defence and related services. In 2011, the Group – comprising Airbus, Astrium, Cassidian and Eurocopter – generated revenues of € 49.1 billion and employed a workforce of more than 133,000.
CASSIDIAN – Defending World Security
About Cassidian CyberSecurity
Cassidian CyberSecurity, a 100% Cassidian company, is exclusively devoted to addressing the fast-growing cyber security market across Europe and the Middle East, with a product portfolio aimed at protecting governments, national agencies, strategic industries and critical infrastructure from increasingly sophisticated threats. Operating in France, the UK and Germany – under the umbrella of a global cyber security organisation – Cassidian CyberSecurity envisages a rapid growth strategy with a sales target of more than € 500m to be achieved by 2017. With 20% of the company’s planned investment devoted to R&D, Cassidian CyberSecurity employs a workforce of over 400 people and plans to recruit a further 100 in 2012.
About Netasq (www.netasq.com)
With more than 80,000 UTM (United Threat management) firewalls deployed in companies of all sizes, government bodies and defense organisations in 40 countries, Netasq develops solutions for the market that are unparalleled in terms of performance, protection and control. Their certification at the highest level in Europe (EU RESTRICTED, Nato and EAL4+) makes them all the more unique.
Contact:
Cassidian CyberSecurity
Nelly Tartivel +33 (0)1 61 38 70 60 nelly.tartivel@airbus.com
Netasq
Marie-Pierre Czabak +33 (0) 1 46 21 82 38 marie-pierre.czabak@netasq.com
Manon Hasard +33 (0) 3 20 61 90 49 manon.hasard@netasq.com
