Proofpoint has announced a definitive agreement to acquire Varonis Systems for $6.3 billion. The transaction is designed to merge two major players in the cybersecurity sector, creating what the companies describe as the largest organization focused on data and artificial intelligence security.
Proofpoint, which is owned by private equity firm Thoma Bravo, specializes in human and agent cybersecurity. Varonis provides tools for data and AI security. According to a press release issued on Thursday, October 15, the combined entity will operate as a leading pure-play cybersecurity company.
Combining Data and AI Defense
The merger comes as artificial intelligence becomes deeply embedded in enterprise operations. Sumit Dhawan, CEO of Proofpoint, stated that AI agents are increasingly accessing sensitive information and taking actions across various systems. He noted that connecting communications, identities, permissions, data, and AI creates an intelligence advantage. This allows customers to see risk more clearly and respond faster to next-generation threats.
Yaki Faitelson, co-founder and CEO of Varonis, addressed customers in a blog post about the acquisition. He explained that joining forces with Proofpoint will allow the company to move faster on protecting data, AI environments, and collaboration tools. For security leaders, Faitelson said this means fewer vendors and a partner with greater resources.
The new combined platform will serve 16,000 enterprises and millions of other organizations globally. The companies intend to deliver a unified solution that helps organizations identify sensitive data and control access for both people and AI systems.
Transaction Timeline and Past Deals
Proofpoint and Varonis expect the transaction to close in the first half of 2027. The deal is subject to customary closing conditions. Until the acquisition is complete, both companies will continue to operate as independent entities.
This move follows two other acquisitions by Proofpoint over the past 18 months. In May 2025, the company announced plans to acquire Hornetsecurity Group to enhance its human-centric security offerings for small to medium-sized businesses. Proofpoint completed that acquisition in December 2025. Additionally, in February, the company acquired Acuvity to add agentic workspace protection to its platform.
The acquisition of Varonis marks a significant expansion of Proofpoint’s capabilities in the data security space. By integrating Varonis’s technology, Proofpoint aims to provide a more comprehensive defense against AI-accelerated threats.
Source: PYMNTS
