EADS acquires NETASQ, Europe's largest firewall manufacturer

NETASQ becomes part of the Cassidian Group, a wholly owned subsidiary of EADS, a leading global military and defense supplier. The strategic acquisition is the first step in a new pan-European cybersecurity collaboration that will enable NETASQ, Europe’s largest enterprise UTM and enterprise firewall maker, to form the cornerstone of an integrated European network security alternative.

Cassidian CyberSecurity and NETASQ have signed an agreement to acquire 100 percent of the firewall manufacturing company, which can take place after approval by the competent authorities. NETASQ solutions will thus be added to the EADS Group's broad range of military and civil defense, including Airbus aircraft, Astrium-made launchers and satellites, Eurocopter-made combat helicopters or Cassidian-developed drones and fighters.

"NETASQ's innovative technology expands our portfolio in an important area and complements our existing solutions to help us enter new markets." Said Jean-Michel Orozco, director of Cassidian CyberSecurity. Francois Lavaste, President of NETASQ, added: “The signing of the agreement is great news for the company as it will provide us with an internationally recognized background and significant support to strengthen our market position. The acquisition is also important for our trading partners, who will have even greater opportunities to sell innovative NETASQ products through our well-proven indirect sales model. And joining the EADS Group offers our customers a long-term guarantee. ”

Combining the cyber security knowledge and expertise of the entire EADS Group, Cassidian CyberSecurity aims to become a major player in the network protection of both government IT systems and critical industrial facilities for which NETASQ Firewall is already advanced, with NATO, EU and EAL4 + delivers certified security solutions at the same time.

 

Source: Press release