ESET unveils new channel Partner Programme

Network security firm WatchGuard has revealed that it has completed its acquisition of advanced endpoint protection provider Panda Security.

The announcement follows WatchGuard's signing of a definitive purchase agreement back in March, with Panda Security now becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Seattle-based company.

WatchGuard said the newly-combined business will enable both current and future partners to consolidate their fundamental network-to-endpoint security services under a single provider.

"The completed acquisition of Panda Security, and the subsequent integration of its portfolio into WatchGuard Cloud, represents a significant milestone for the company and will result in both immediate and long-term benefits for our customers and partners that will address common challenges with security complexity, rapidly changing network topologies, purchasing models, and more," commented WatchGuard CEO Prakash Panjwani.

The provider said its immediate focus is to provide partners from both companies access to the freshly-expanded portfolio of security solutions.

Once the two portfolios have been fully integrated, businesses will have access to advanced threat detection response functionality, driven by modern AI, behaviour profiling techniques, cutting-edge security event correlation, as well as a number of operational benefits, it added.

As a result of the deal, resellers will now have access to Panda Adaptive Defense 360 - which includes both endpoint protection platform (EPP) and endpoint detection and response (EDR) capabilities - as well as Advanced Reporting Tool products via the Panda Security Early Access Program.

The move will also see Investing Profit Wisely (IPW) join Vector Capital and Francisco Partners as a shareholder in WatchGuard Technologies, while Panda Security CEO Juan Santamaria Uriarte joins the board of directors.

"I'm happy to join WatchGuard's board of directors, and to continue advising on daily operations to help build an integrated company that provides the industry’s best security solution from network to endpoint," said Juan Santamaria Uriarte, Panda CEO.

"In its 30 years as a company, Panda has developed a strong culture of passion, dedication and commitment of excellence to our customers and each other.

"WatchGuard’s culture and focus mirrors our own, and as we begin a new chapter as members of the WatchGuard team, I’m excited by all that we’ll accomplish together."