So Checkpoint is going to buy Zone Labs for $205mm. Here are my thoughts on the deal. Zone is expected to do around $28mm of revenue in 2003 and $42mm in 2004. The revenue multiple is 7x for 2003 and 5x for 2004. That is pretty much in line with existing security multiples of 6-8x revenue. The more significant point is that Checkpoint made its first, meaningful acquisition. So for all of you security companies out there, add Checkpoint as another potential acquirer. Some future deals could include an SSL VPN player or network intrusion prevention provider. It seems that concerns over their revenue growth has finally hit management, and they are trying to find ways to accelerate the top line. However, I am not too sure that acquiring a desktop firewall product and competing against established competition like Microsoft, Symantec and NAI is the way to do it.
Published by Ed Sim
