9 Apr 2020

Investcorp Technology Partners, a leading European technology investor, today announces that it has agreed to acquire Avira Holding GmbH & Co KG and ALV GmbH & Co KG (“Avira”) for US $180 million.

Avira is a German headquartered, multinational cybersecurity software solutions firm serving the OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) and Consumer end markets, with over 500 million endpoints protected globally. Over its 30+ year history, the Company has developed particular strengths in Anti-Malware, Threat Intelligence and IoT solutions. Its software provides next generation security for users’ online identity, finances, and private data, protecting against viruses, malware, ransomware and other threats.

This acquisition represents the first institutional investment in Avira since it was founded in 1986 by Tjark Auerbach.

Commenting on the investment, Gilbert Kamieniecky, Managing Director and Head of Investcorp’s Technology Private Equity business, said: “We are delighted to announce another high-quality addition to our Technology Partners portfolio. Avira represents an attractive opportunity to invest in a cybersecurity business and marks our third investment in the DACH tech sector in the last 18 months. With our long history of working with cybersecurity, IoT and data-driven businesses, Investcorp is looking forward to supporting Avira’s targeted growth trajectory and expansion plans.”

Travis Witteveen, Chief Executive Officer of Avira added: “We are proud to be partnering with a firm that offers such a breadth of experience working with growing technology and software firms. The investment confirms our business strategy and enables us to further accelerate our profitable growth in the consumer and OEM market segments.”

“We have been protecting our users for more than 30 years,” stated Tjark Auerbach, Founder of Avira. “With Investcorp, I have an investment partner who shares my values and will underpin the strategy of the management team to continue protecting people for many years to come.”

Investcorp has established a market leading position of investing in lower mid-market technology companies with a specific focus on the Data / Analytics, IT Security and Fintech / Payment sectors. Investcorp’s other investments from its latest technology fund include Ubisense’s SmartSpace, the enterprise software and sensor Real-Time Location Solutions platform; softgarden, a Human Resources software provider; Calligo, a proprietary cloud solution company; Ageras, an online marketplace matching SMEs with professional service providers; Impero, a provider of online student safety and classroom and network management software; and Contentserv, a product information management solutions provider.

The acquisition remains subject to anti-trust approval.