Intel to acquire computer-security software maker McAfee for $7.68 billion

The world's largest chip maker, Intel, today disclosed that has signed a deal to buy the world's largest dedicated security technology company McAfee for $7.68 billion to enable customers to get security software and hardware from one company.

McAfee, headquartered in Santa Clara, California, delivers proactive and proven solutions and services that help secure systems and networks around the world, allowing users to safely connect to the Internet, browse, and shop the web more securely.

McAfee, founded in 1987 reported approximately $2 billion in revenue in 2009.

With approximately 6,100 employees, McAfee's products and technologies provide secure solutions and services to consumers, enterprises and governments around the world and include a strong sales force that works with a variety of customers.

The acquisition reflects that security is now a fundamental component of online computing, which does not fully address the billions of new Internet-ready devices connecting, including mobile and wireless devices, TVs, cars, medical devices and ATM machines as well as the accompanying surge in cyber threats.

The acquisition enables a combination of security software and hardware from one company to the advantage of consumers, corporations and governments as billions of devices - and the server and cloud networks that manage them - go online, said Intel.