Palo Alto Networks is in talks to acquire CyberArk, a cybersecurity provider, in a deal worth over $20 billion. The proposed merger would bring together two major players in the security industry.
Nikesh Arora, CEO of Palo Alto Networks, has been on a buying spree, but this acquisition would be his largest bet. With a market cap of around $132 billion, Palo Alto Networks is one of the biggest players in cybersecurity. CyberArk, founded in 2005, provides identity management software that helps companies streamline their login processes.
The deal comes as cloud security becomes increasingly important for enterprises due to rapid advancements in artificial intelligence and rising ransomware attacks.
Palo Alto Networks has made several acquisitions in recent years, including Protect AI in July and Talon Cyber Security, Dig Security, and Zycada Networks in 2023. However, this acquisition would be the largest by far.
CyberArk faces competition from Microsoft, Okta, IBM’s HashiCorp, and SailPoint. The company’s shares surged 13% on Tuesday after news of the potential deal broke, reaching a record high. With the acquisition, CyberArk’s market cap is expected to rise significantly.
Other notable deals in the cyber market include Google’s $32 billion purchase of Wiz in March and Cisco’s $28 billion acquisition of Splunk in 2023. As the demand for cloud security continues to grow, these large-scale acquisitions suggest a significant shift in the industry.
Source: https://www.cnbc.com/2025/07/29/cyberark-shares-jump-on-report-of-palo-alto-networks-takeover-talks.html