Private Equity Firm to Acquire Blue Coat for $1.3 Billion

An investor group led by San Francisco-based private equity investment firm Thoma Bravo will acquire Blue Coat Systems in a deal valued at $1.3 billion. Blue Coat shareholders will receive $25.81 in cash for each share of Blue Coat common stock they hold, representing a premium of approximately 48% over Blue Coat’s closing price on December 8, 2011 and a premium of approximately 62% over the 60-day trailing average for the period ended December 8, 2011.


Blue Coat is a supplier of Web security and WAN optimization solutions. The company is based in Sunnyvale, California.


“Blue Coat has strong, differentiated products for protecting enterprises from the ever increasing levels of Web-based security threats and for accelerating and optimizing applications and rich media content, such as video, over their networks,�? said Gregory S. Clark, president and chief executive officer, Blue Coat Systems, Inc. “Our partnership with Thoma Bravo will assist Blue Coat in more aggressively realizing the opportunities in its two markets, by providing a platform that enables greater focus on the business that supports the future growth of the company.�?http://www.bluecoat.comSome other private equity deals this year include:


Tekelec, to be acquired by a consortium led by Siris Capital Group.


Alcatel-Lucent's Genesys division, to be acquired by the Permira funds.


Alpheus Communications (fiber network in Texas, acquired by The Gores Group.


Cambium Networks, a spin-out from Motorola Solutions backed by Vector Capital, a leading global private equity firm.


Tollgrade Communications, acquired by Golden Gate Capital, a global private equity firm.


Go Daddy, acquired by KKR, Silver Lake and Technology Crossover Ventures.


Masergy Communications, acquired by ABRY Partners.




Conexant Systems, acquired by Golden Gate Capital.