NCC buys US security testing firm for £8.4m

NCC Group, the Manchester-based IT security and assurance provider, has acquired US-based Matasano Security  for up to £8.4m.

Matasano is an independent security research and testing services provider with a turnover of $5m.

It provides a range of services to detect security flaws in applications, systems and networks, using penetration testing, reverse engineering and source code review techniques.

NCC will pay an initial £4.2m, then two further payments up to £4.2m in total over next two years against performance related targets.

It financed the deal from existing debt facilities and internally generated cash flow.

The acquisition will substantially increase NCC Group’s presence in New York and Chicago, it said.

Rob Cotton, NCC Group chief executive, said: “Matasano is a highly respected industry player and this acquisition is a key strategic development for us. It substantially increases our presence and profile in the US, particularly within the important east coast market, considerably widening our capabilities and industry IP and bringing a number of leading blue chip technology customers.

 

“We are delighted that the very experienced and successful management team is staying with the group. We are confident that they will continue to enhance their reputation as well as Matasano’s excellent financial track record of growth, supported by our group resources and the wider international client base.”