Proofpoint, a leading cybersecurity and compliance provider, has completed its acquisition of Hornetsecurity Group, a pan-European specialist in AI-powered Microsoft 365 security, data protection and compliance tools.
The two companies, which serve customers across enterprises, managed service providers (MSPs) and small to midsize businesses (SMBs), have come together with the goal of scaling human-centric and agent-centric security to a wider market.
The deal, valued at $1.8bn, aligns with Proofpoint’s strategy to deepen its reach into the MSP and SMB segments. By integrating Hornetsecurity’s established European presence and extensive partner ecosystem, Proofpoint aims to broaden the availability of its security capabilities across organisations of all sizes. Hornetsecurity brings nearly $200m in annual recurring revenue and a strong growth trajectory, giving Proofpoint additional momentum in delivering advanced, AI-powered protection.
Proofpoint develops cybersecurity and compliance technologies that safeguard people, data and digital ecosystems. Its human-centric approach focuses on preventing targeted attacks by understanding behavioural risks and protecting users and AI agents in complex environments. Hornetsecurity, meanwhile, specialises in M365 cloud security through its flagship platform, 365 Total Protection, which offers email security, backup, compliance support, access controls and security awareness services. The platform is designed for MSPs managing multiple clients, offering a streamlined and scalable management interface.
Following the acquisition, Hornetsecurity will operate as a dedicated business unit within Proofpoint, maintaining its leadership team and continuing to focus on MSPs and SMBs worldwide. Its founder and CEO, Daniel Hofmann, will take on the role of executive vice president and general manager at Proofpoint, overseeing ongoing innovation and partner engagement. Customers and partners are expected to benefit from continuity in service combined with expanded global research, resources and threat intelligence.
The agreement marks a significant step in Proofpoint’s commitment to delivering differentiated AI-led protection across Europe and beyond. With Hornetsecurity’s network of more than 12,000 MSPs and channel partners supporting over 125,000 customers, Proofpoint gains a substantial foothold in a key market for growth.
Proofpoint CEO Sumit Dhawan said, “We’re thrilled to officially welcome Hornetsecurity to Proofpoint and further our mission to protect the emerging agentic workspace for customers of every size. Together, we will extend our human and agent-centric security leadership to safeguard people, AI agents, and data, while expanding our reach to SMBs and MSPs with Hornetsecurity’s proven, scalable platform. As threats grow faster and more targeted, our combined expertise will raise the bar for innovation and resilience—helping customers and partners worldwide safeguard what matters most.”
Hornetsecurity founder and CEO Daniel Hofmann said, “Joining Proofpoint marks a new chapter in our journey. Together, we’re uniquely positioned to deliver the most effective M365 security and data protection to MSPs around the world. Building on our time-tested and well-established channel-centric approach, our combined capabilities, shared threat intelligence, and aligned vision will drive a new level of innovation and value for our partners and customers globally.”
Keep up with all the latest FinTech news here
Copyright © 2025 FinTech Global
