Google Nears $23 Billion Deal for Cybersecurity Firm Wiz Amid Regulatory Scrutinyuire cyber startup Wiz for $23 billion, its largest-ever deal

 Google is in advanced negotiations to acquire cybersecurity firm Wiz for $23 billion, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal citing sources familiar with the matter. The potential deal, which could be finalized soon, marks a significant move for both companies.

Founded in 2020, Wiz has experienced rapid growth under CEO Assaf Rappaport, reaching a valuation of $12 billion earlier this year and considering an IPO.

Wiz specializes in cloud security solutions that provide comprehensive visibility into an organization’s cloud infrastructure, which is particularly attractive to large enterprises with substantial computing resources. The company has garnered support from prominent investors including Israeli VC firm Cyberstarts, Index Ventures, Insight Partners, and Sequoia Capital.

If the acquisition goes through, it would be Google’s largest to date, surpassing its previous record. This move underscores Google’s ongoing commitment to cybersecurity amid increasing threats from both state-sponsored and criminal entities targeting governments and major corporations. Notably, Google acquired cybersecurity firm Mandiant for $5.4 billion just two years ago.

However, Google’s acquisition strategy faces challenges amid heightened antitrust scrutiny. The company has been the subject of multiple antitrust lawsuits, with recent litigation highlighting concerns over its acquisition practices.

Despite these regulatory hurdles, the reported discussions with Wiz suggest Google’s renewed interest in strategic mergers and acquisitions, following earlier talks that reportedly cooled, such as its potential acquisition of sales software maker HubSpot.

Google’s potential acquisition of Wiz not only signifies a major investment in cybersecurity technology but also highlights its competitive strategy amidst regulatory challenges and a shifting landscape in digital security.