McAfee acquired by Intel in push beyond PC chips

McAfee will be acquired by Intel. The $7.68 billion takeover of McAfee will be the biggest acquisition in Intel's history

Intel Corp. is making the biggest acquisition in its history with the $7.68 billion takeover of computer-security software maker McAfee Inc., an expensive example of Intel's commitment to serve an increasing array of Internet-connected devices.

The deal, announced Thursday before the market opened, will help Intel improve the security of its chips by sharpening the software that goes into them. It also opens a new revenue stream for Intel, which will sell security software alongside new chips it's developing for devices such as mobile phones, televisions and even cars. Intel is the No. 1 maker of microprocessors for personal computers and servers.

The $48-per-share price represents a 60 percent premium over McAfee's Wednesday close of $29.93. McAfee shares surged $17.17, or 57 percent, to $47.10 in midday trading Thursday. Intel shares slipped 63 cents, or 3.2 percent, to $18.96.

Intel, which is based in Santa Clara, California, said security is now a fundamental component of online computing, but today's approach to security isn't adequate for the growing availability of Internet connections on mobile phones, medical devices, ATMs, automobiles and elsewhere.

The industry needs a new approach that combines software, hardware and services to meet tomorrow's needs, the company said.

"With the rapid expansion of growth across a vast array of Internet-connected devices, more and more of the elements of our lives have moved online," Intel CEO Paul Otellini said. "In the past, energy-efficient performance and connectivity have defined computing requirements. Looking forward, security will join those as a third pillar of what people demand from all computing experiences."

Otellini said the idea to acquire McAfee grew out of a close collaboration that's been going on for a year and a half, one that will result in unspecified products reaching the market next year.

On a conference call with executives, UBS analyst Uche Orji questioned Intel's rationale for the deal, wondering if it would get something out of owning McAfee that it couldn't get through a collaboration.

Otellini responded that owning McAfee meant Intel could plan for the longer term and combine the two companies' technologies at a deeper level, adding substantial value.

Intel is an infrequent acquirer with a history of dabbling in, and retreating from, markets outside its core business of building computer microprocessors. It once even had a toy division that made microscopes and other gadgets before giving up on it because of poor sales.

But Intel has been persistent in trying to expand into the market for the guts of smart phones and other Internet-connected wireless devices. And the purchase of McAfee would help Intel secure those devices from malicious software and other computing threats.

Intel said the deal with hurt earnings slightly in the first year the companies are combined. Excluding costs and other one-time items related to the acquisition, Intel predicts the deal will slightly boost earnings next year and improve after that.

Both boards of directors have unanimously approved the deal. The deal still requires McAfee shareholder approval and regulatory clearances.

McAfee, also based in Santa Clara, is one of the world's largest security technology companies with about $2 billion in revenue last year.

Intel has made a series of recent software acquisitions including companies that specialize in gaming, visual computing, embedded device and machine software.

Last month, Intel Corp. reported its largest quarterly net income in a decade as the chipmaker benefited from a stronger computer market and more sophisticated factories.