By Sam Boughedda
Investing.com — Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) is considering a takeover bid for cybersecurity research company Mandiant Inc (NASDAQ:MNDT), Bloomberg reported, citing a person familiar with the matter.
Bloomberg said that the discussions are being held, but it may not result in an offer for the company.
If Microsoft were to make a successful bid, it would help improve its efforts to protect customers from hacking and cybersecurity breaches.
The news has seen Mandiant stock surged nearly 18% to $18.35 per share. Meanwhile, Microsoft shares were up about 1%.
Mandiant split from FireEye Inc last year. FireEye, which acquired the company in 2013, sold its security-product business for $1.2 billion to a consortium led by Symphony Technology Group.
Cyber-attacks have been rapidly rising globally, and Microsoft is seemingly doing all it can to counteract the threats. Last year, the company acquired several cybersecurity firms, including identity and access management startup CloudKnox Security.