Wiz’s decision to reject Google’s acquisition offer could lead to significant shifts in the tech industry, particularly impacting Microsoft. The Israeli cybersecurity startup turned down a $23 billion proposal from Google, with CEO Assaf Rappaport stating that the decision was difficult but necessary for Wiz to focus on its goal of reaching $1 billion in annual revenue and pursuing an IPO.
This acquisition would have enhanced Google’s cybersecurity capabilities, especially following a recent major outage linked to CrowdStrike, a key player in the industry. Analyst Dan Ives from Wedbush noted that investor anxieties and antitrust concerns were major factors in the deal’s collapse. Google has faced intense scrutiny over antitrust issues and is still navigating legal challenges from the Department of Justice.
Ives suggested that the collapse of the deal will have widespread effects across the tech sector. He expects Google to continue to pursue expansion in its cybersecurity efforts, a path that Microsoft may also take in light of these developments.
Given the recent global IT outage caused by a faulty update in CrowdStrike’s software, which affected numerous Microsoft users, there is growing sentiment that Microsoft should bolster its cybersecurity portfolio in the upcoming months. Ives remarked that consolidation in the cybersecurity sector is necessary and predicted that Microsoft might seek to enhance its own cybersecurity solutions in the next year or so.