08 Apr 2015

News Release

Singtel acquires Trustwave and strengthens its global cyber security capabilities

  • Cyber Security
  • Trustwave

Singapore, 8 April, 2015 – Singtel today signed an agreement to acquire a 98% equity interest in US-based Trustwave, a leading specialist in managed security services. Trustwave Chairman and CEO, Robert J McCullen, will hold the balance 2% equity interest.

Trustwave is the largest independent managed security services provider in North America with presence in Europe and Asia Pacific. It has a broad portfolio of services across three main areas – threat management, vulnerability management and compliance management (refer to Appendix 1: Trustwave security service offerings). Delivered through the unified cloud-based TrustKeeper® platform, Trustwave’s services help customers from a wide range of industries protect their IT infrastructure, applications and networks and respond to cyber threats.

Chua Sock Koong, Singtel Group CEO, said: “We aspire to be a global player in cyber security.  We have established a strong security business in the region, both organically and through strategic partnerships with global technology leaders. ”

“Our extensive customer reach and strong suite of ICT services, together with Trustwave’s deep cyber security capabilities, will create a powerful combination and allow Singtel to capture global opportunities in the cyber security space.”

The acquisition will expand Singtel’s existing portfolio of cloud based solutions and further entrench its leadership position in the managed services market.  Singtel will leverage Trustwave’s threat intelligence, technology and talent to meet the growing demand for always-on managed security services in North America and the Asia Pacific region (refer to Appendix 2 : Market for Managed Security Services).

Trustwave, headquartered in Chicago, has over three million business subscribers, served by 1,200 employees in 26 countries, including an elite team of security experts in its forensic and threat research security unit, SpiderLabs. Trustwave provides its customers round-the-clock support in a dynamic cyber threat environment through its five security operation centres and nine engineering centres.

Singtel expects that post-acquisition, Trustwave will continue to operate as a standalone business unit and strengthen its position in the US and Europe.  It will leverage Singtel Group Enterprise’s assets and market presence to broaden its overall security portfolio and address the fast growing emerging security market opportunity in the Asia Pacific region. 

Robert J. McCullen, said:  “We are excited to join Singtel and to leverage its global presence and resources to accelerate worldwide adoption of our security solutions.  This strategic partnership creates an unparalleled opportunity to combine Singtel's robust information and communications solutions with Trustwave’s industry leading security technologies and managed services platform to deliver cutting edge solutions.    

“Singtel is the perfect partner for us as we continue to help businesses fight cybercrime, protect data and reduce security risk. The Trustwave team is thrilled to become a part of such a prestigious and innovative organisation.”

The enterprise value of Trustwave is US$850 million. The aggregate consideration for the Transaction is approximately US$810 million for Singtel’s 98% equity interest, excluding net debt, and is subject to working capital adjustments at closing. The transaction is expected to be EBITDA positive from the second year of acquisition, and earnings accretive from the third year[1].

The transaction is subject to the fulfilment of certain conditions precedent, including relevant approvals from regulatory authorities and other third parties, and is expected to complete in three to six months’ time.  

Appendix 1

Trustwave security service offerings

Threat management          

Prevention of external and internal threats through a combination of intelligence, detection, protection and remediation services

Vulnerability management

Proactive scanning, testing and remediation of database, network and application vulnerabilities to protect internal assets

Compliance management

Multi-compliance frameworks that help businesses to identify and deploy security best practices

 

Appendix 2

Market for Managed Security Services

Cyber security threats are increasingly prevalent and pose significant reputation and economic risks to enterprises.  Enterprise customers require effective solutions to protect their assets, respond to threats and ensure business continuity. 

These developments are fuelling the demand for managed security services.  The industry is expected to grow rapidly, at 15% per annum for the four years from 2014 to reach US$24 billion in 2018, according to the 2014 Gartner Information Security Forecast report.  

 

 

Source: Market research, Gartner 2014


[1] After taking into consideration amortisation of intangibles, but before financing costs