Google has unveiled plans to acquire cloud security startup Wiz for $32 billion (£24.7m), marking its largest-ever acquisition and a significant move to bolster its cloud computing and cybersecurity capabilities.

The deal will integrate Wiz into Google Cloud, with the acquisition expected to close in 2026, pending regulatory approvals.

Wiz, a fast-growing startup headquartered in New York, specialises in cloud-based cybersecurity solutions and works with major cloud providers and hyperscalers like Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Oracle.

The acquisition comes less than a year after Wiz rejecteda $23 billion (£17.7bn) bid from Google, with the company initially aiming to go public – $Wizwasvaluedat\; \$$12 billion (£9.2bn) in May 2024 and has since seen that valuation climb to $16 billion (£12.3bn)

In a blog post, Google Cloud CEO Thomas Kurian said: “Google Cloud and Wiz share a joint vision to make cybersecurity more accessible and simpler to use for organisations of any size and industry. Enabling more companies to prevent cyber-attacks, including in very complex business software environments, will help organisations minimize the cost, disruption and hassle caused by cybersecurity incidents.”

The deal underscores Google’s aggressive push to strengthen its cloud security offerings amid increasing competition in the cloud computing market. In recent years, Google has acquired several cybersecurity firms, including Mandiant for $5.4 billion (£4.3bn) in 2022 and Siemplify $500 million (£385.3m).

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Sundar Pichai CEO of Google, added: “From its earliest days, Google’s strong security focus has made us a leader in keeping people safe online. Today, businesses and governments that run in the cloud are looking for even stronger security solutions, and greater choice in cloud computing providers. Together, Google Cloud and Wiz will turbocharge improved cloud security and the ability to use multiple clouds.”

The acquisition, however, is expected to face regulatory scrutiny. Last year, talks between Google and Wiz stalled over antitrust concerns, and the current deal will likely draw attention from regulators, particularly given Google’s ongoing antitrust battles with the US Department of Justice over its search engine and digital advertising practices.

Once finalised, the deal will surpass Google’s previous largest acquisition, the $12.5 billion ($9.6bn) purchase of Motorola Mobility in 2012.