Utimaco
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| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Cybersecurity |
| Founded | 1983 |
Key people | Stefan Auerbach (CEO) |
Number of employees | 500+ |
| Parent | SGT Capital Group |
| Website | Official website |
Utimaco Safeware AG (Utimaco) is a global provider of cybersecurity and compliance solutions, with headquarters in Aachen, Germany, and Campbell, California, USA.
History[edit]
Utimaco was established in 1983 to provide hardware-based security appliances and compliance services.
Acquisition and Divestment[edit]
In 2009, Sophos acquired Utimaco Safeware AG, a German IT security company specializing in encryption and data protection solutions. In 2013, Sophos sold the majority of Utimaco to private equity firms BIP Investment Partners and PINOVA Capital as part of a management buyout transaction.
Controversy[edit]
In 2011, Utimaco faced allegations of supplying Lawful Interception Management Systems (LIMS) to repressive regimes such as Iran and Syria, raising ethical concerns when their products were used by Iranian authorities to detain and torture a university student.[1] Following the controversy, Sophos ended its relationship with Utimaco.
Separate Paths[edit]
After the divestment, Utimaco and Sophos continued to operate as separate entities. Utimaco focused on cybersecurity solutions, including Hardware Security Modules (HSM) and key management, while Sophos remained a player in the broader cybersecurity market.
Since separating from Sophos, Utimaco has undergone several ownership changes. In 2017, it was acquired by EQT Partners,[citation needed] and in 2022, SGT Capital became the majority stakeholder.[citation needed]
References[edit]
- ^ Steve Stecklow (December 5, 2012). "Special Report: Chinese firm helps Iran spy on citizens". Reuters. Retrieved June 25, 2024.