Arkoon Network Security is a European reference in network security, information systems protection and data confidentiality.
The acquisition of Arkoon Network Security represents a further step in the strategic development of Cassidian CyberSecurity to become a major European player in high-end cyber-security products and solutions following its acquisition of Netasq in November 2012.
Cassidian CyberSecurity signed an agreement to become the main shareholder of Arkoon Network Security, one of the recognised major European players in network security, information systems protection and data confidentiality.
Following the acquisition of Netasq on 16 November 2012, the acquisition of Arkoon Network Security represents a new strategic step in the creation of the European industrial base for cyber-security products and solutions. The extended portfolio constitutes a firm foundation for guaranteeing the security of IT networks for governments, critical infrastructures and strategic industries.
Jean-Michel Orozco, CEO of Cassidian CyberSecurity, said: “A global cyber-security offering must necessarily rely on an extensive range of products and solutions in order to meet the needs of our customers. The combination of Cassidian CyberSecurity, Netasq and Arkoon Network Security has created an industrial player with an international dimension, supplying trusted European solutions for guaranteeing the security of information systems”.
Thierry Rouquet, Chairman of the Board of Arkoon Network Security, adds: “This is excellent news for our customers, partners and staff, and it will enable Arkoon Network Security to benefit from new opportunities in terms of access to international markets”.
The share purchase agreement dated 26 April 2013 concerns the sale of approximately 83.9% of Arkoon Network Security shares to Cassidian CyberSecurity at a maximum price of 3.25 Euros per share.
The planned transaction concerns all the shares held by the major financial shareholders of Arkoon Network Security, the founders and the management.
The personnel representative bodies of both companies have been informed and consulted and this planned transaction remains subject to certain of the usual conditions precedent.
Subject to completion of the transaction, which should, in principle, take place in May 2013, and after effective transfer of the shares from the main shareholders of Arkoon Network Security as listed above, and taking account of the loss of the double voting rights from which some of the shares benefitted, Cassidian CyberSecurity will hold approximately 83.9% of the capital and voting rights of Arkoon Network Security.
Consequently, Cassidian CyberSecurity will, in compliance with articles 234-2 and 235-2 of the General Regulations of the French markets authority (Autorité des Marchés Financiers – AMF), submit a simplified tender offer (OPAS) followed, if applicable, by a mandatory squeeze-out procedure should, subsequent to the OPAS, Cassidian CyberSecurity hold more than 95% of the share capital and voting rights of Arkoon Network Security, for all the outstanding Arkoon Network Security shares and voting rights. For both tender offer and mandatory squeeze-out procedure, the price per Arkoon Network Security share will be equal to the price per share paid during the above-mentioned operation, subject to obtaining the issuance of a statement of compliance by the AMF and subject to the findings of an independent expert who will assess the financial conditions of the OPAS and, as applicable, the mandatory squeeze-out procedure.
In this respect, the Supervisory Board of Arkoon Network Security appointed the firm Paper & Audit on 24th April 2013 as the independent expert, in accordance with article 261-1 and following of the AMF general regulations.
The Arkoon Network Security company asked that trading of its stocks be suspended as of close of business on 26 April 2013, a situation that is to be maintained until further notice.
About Cassidian CyberSecurity (www.cassidiancybersecurity.com)
Cassidian CyberSecurity is a 100% Cassidian company entirely devoted to addressing the cyber security market across Europe and the Middle-East, operating from France, the United Kingdom and Germany. Cassidian CyberSecurity’s high-grade expertise includes “Cyber Defence & Professional Services” focusing on high-grade professional services and establishing Security Operation Centres; “Trusted infrastructure” aiming at cryptography, digital identity management and high-security national solutions, and “Secure Mobility”, focused on services for mobile device security. To reinforce its solutions and establish a European cluster for cyber-security products and services, Cassidian CyberSecurity took over Netasq in November 2012. Cassidian CyberSecurity generated revenues of 80 million euros in 2012, with a workforce of 500 people, which it plans to double by 2017.
CASSIDIAN CYBERSECURITY – Trust the future
Contact:
Nelly Tartivel +33 (0)1 61 38 70 60 nelly.tartivel@airbus.com
About Arkoon Network Security (www.arkoon.net)
As a renowned pioneer in IT infrastructures protection, Arkoon Network Security set itself the goal of offering certified solutions, tailored to protecting sensitive information and infrastructures. Arkoon Network Security employs 80 staff and achieved sales of 13 million Euros in 2012.
Arkoon Network Security protects information, communications and infrastructures, as well as workstations, through a range of complementary solutions:
– The SecurityBox software suite meets the confidentiality, integrity and authentication needs of information stored by and exchanged within the company. It can be used to create secure workspaces. SecurityBox is EAL3+ Common Criteria certified.
– The FAST360 range of appliances comprises native integration of FAST (Fast Applicative Shield Technology), patented by Arkoon Network Security, to protect network infrastructures and communications against the most complex attacks. FAST360 is EAL3+ Common Criteria certified.
– The StormShield software solution, designed and marketed by SkyRecon, a subsidiary of Arkoon Network Security specialising in behavioural security, offers complete security of the system, the applications, the data and the peripherals for any desktop or laptop PC or server. StormShield stands out from the other solutions in its unique HIPS, capable of proactively blocking the most sophisticated targeted attacks. When used in the most demanding contexts, this protection offers an unparalleled level of security, while remaining totally transparent to the users.
Founded in 2000, Arkoon Network Security has its headquarters in Lyon and is listed on the NYSE Alternext. Its solutions are marketed in the rest of the world through its network of certified partners and subsidiaries. Arkoon Network Security’s customer base includes a large number of Euro Stoxx 100 companies, administrations and thousands of other companies of all sizes. Arkoon Network Security’s solutions are deployed in more than 60 countries.
Arkoon Network Security was awarded the OSEO “Innovative company” label from among the 2,000 member companies of the “OSEO Excellence” network.
ISIN Code: FR0010481101 – ALARK – Continuous listing
Liquidity contract with the ODDO Corporate Finance brokerage firm.
Contact:
Thierry Rouquet +33 4 72 53 01 01 Chairman of the Board
Pierre-Yves Hentzen +33 4 72 53 01 01 Administrative and Financial Director
Amalia Naveira +33 4 72 18 04 92 anaveira@actus.fr Analyst/Investor relations
Marie-Claude Triquet +33 4 72 18 04 93 mctriquet@actus.fr Press relations
