Digest: Google to Acquire Cybersecurity Startup Wiz for $32bn

Today’s digest covers Google’s decision to acquire cybersecurity firm Wiz, the rising trend of AI-powered shopping, and Adform’s exploration of a potential sale.

Google to Acquire Cybersecurity Startup Wiz for $32bn

Google announced it will acquire cybersecurity startup Wiz for USD $32bn (£1.6bn) in an all-cash deal. If the deal goes through, this will be Google’s largest acquisition yet, more than double the size of its largest to date when it acquired Motorola Mobility for a sum of USD $12.5bn (£9.6bn) back in 2011.

Wiz is set to join Google’s cloud infrastructure Google Cloud to usher in multicloud cybersecurity. This will include a new-generation unified security platform combining Wiz’s Cloud Security Platform with Google Security Operations. 

AI-Powered Shopping Trends Surge

According to data from Adobe Analytics, traffic to US e-commerce websites from generative AI sources was up 1,200% in February compared to six months ago. Additionally, AI-driven traffic has been doubling every two months since September. The data released amplifies what Adobe saw happening late last year, when traffic generated by AI-powered chatbots increased by 1,300% over the 2024 festive season. Chatbot traffic also rose a staggering 1,950% on Cyber Monday last year.

Compared to non-AI traffic sources, including paid search, email, and social media, among others, generative AI resulted in 8% higher engagement, due to individuals lingering on sites for longer periods. Visitors who were influenced by AI also browsed a considerably higher number (12%) of pages per visit to a site, as well as having a 23% lower bounce rate (the number of visitors who leave after viewing only one page).

Adform Explores a Sale

Adform is reportedly considering a sale, according to four sources familiar with the company's plans who spoke to Business Insider. This move highlights a significant shift in the industry’s M&A landscape as activity picks up after a period of stagnation.

Adform has reportedly appointed Carnegie, a Swedish investment bank, to lead the process. Sources revealed that prospective buyers have been asked to submit their bids in April.

Adform’s offerings include a demand-side platform that helps advertisers buy and manage their ad campaigns across various media channels, organise their data, and monitor ad campaign progress.