28 November 2017

Synopsys, which claims to be the world’s 15th largest software firm, has agreed to buy Black Duck Software in a deal valued at $565m.

According to Synopsys, software development is undergoing “sweeping and rapid change”, including the increasing use of open source software which makes up 60 per cent or more of the code in today’s applications. 

But it adds that while open source lowers development costs and speeds time to market, it has been accompanied by “significant” security and license-compliance challenges because most organisations lack visibility into its use. 

US-based Black Duck specialises in automated solutions for securing and managing open source software. Synopsys reckons the addition of the firm’s “highly respected” Software Composition Analysis solution will enhance its efforts in the software security market by broadening its product offering and expanding its customer reach.

“Our vision is to deliver a comprehensive platform that unifies best-in-class software security and quality solutions,” says Andreas Kuehlmann, SVP and GM of the Synopsys Software Integrity Group. “Development processes continue to evolve and accelerate, and the addition of Black Duck will strengthen our ability to push security and quality testing throughout the software development lifecycle, reducing risk for our customers.”

Under the terms of the definitive deal, Synopsys will pay approximately $565m or $548m net of cash acquired. Synopsys will also assume certain unvested equity of Black Duck staff. The transaction is expected to close in December 2017.