The acquisition adds security and risk management to the company's legacy integration software lineup.Legacy system-integration software provider AttachmateWRQ, which itself is owned by an investment group, announced April 27 the acquisition of NetIQ for about $495 million, or $12.20 per share.
NetIQ develops integrated systems and security management software. In addition to legacy integration, AttachmateWRQ focuses on multihost access, security and desktop management.
The companies combined will share about 40,000 customers in more than 60 countries. Their mission will be to help users "extend, manage and secure their IT infrastructure," officials said.
"The combination of AttachmateWRQ and NetIQ creates a formidable enterprise software company with greater resources and scale," AttachmateWRQ Chairman, President and CEO Jeff Hawn said in a statement.
NetIQ markets its tools for government use. Click here to read more.
AttachmateWRQ is itself the result of a merger between Attachmate Corp. and WRQ Inc., in a deal that closed Sept. 2005. Both companies were acquired by an investment group led by Francisco Partners, Golden Gate Capital and Thoma Cressey Equity Partners, in deals forged specifically to merge the two companys capabilities. The idea with NetIQ is similar: It will operate as an AttachmateWRQ business unit, and its software will be used to extend AttachmateWRQs footprint.
NetIQ will also become a private company, with its shares no longer traded on the open market.
Hawn said in an interview with eWEEK on Sept. 29, 2005, following the close of the Attachmate/WRQ merger, that he was on the lookout for additional acquisitions.
"Weve got an extremely strong position in host access, and also strength in host integration," Hawn said in the interview. "WRQ gives us a terrific start in pursuing some newer technologies like SOA [service-oriented architecture]. The concept [behind additional mergers] is simple: What else are our customers buying, what else would they like to buy from us? From an architectural standpoint, what are the natural extensions from access and integration—not just current, but future?"
More specifically, Hawn said at the time that he wanted to focus on acquiring technology that would enable users to access legacy applications and "extend information to more people" using better security and management software.
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From that perspective, NetIQ, based in San Jose, Calif., is a good fit. The companys software—particularly its Knowledge-Based Service Assurances suite—helps users measure and manage risk, and remain compliant with legislative and corporate mandates, according to the companys Web site. The company also offers performance and availability management, security management, configuration management and operational change control modules.
The merger between NetIQ and AttachmateWRQ, based in Seattle, has been unanimously approved by both companys board of directors. The deal, pending standard regulatory approvals, is expected to close in about 90 days.
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