TLDR
- Google’s $32 billion Wiz purchase cleared DOJ antitrust investigation with early termination
- Deal marks Alphabet’s largest acquisition in company history
- Federal approval dated October 24 removes major regulatory obstacle
- International regulators still reviewing transaction before expected 2026 completion
- Wiz cybersecurity platform will enhance Google Cloud security offerings
Google parent Alphabet secured a key victory in its pursuit of cybersecurity firm Wiz. The Justice Department finished its antitrust review of the $32 billion transaction.
Wiz CEO Assaf Rappaport confirmed the development during a Wall Street Journal event Tuesday. He described the DOJ completion as a major milestone while noting additional steps remain.
The federal agency granted early termination dated October 24. This designation means antitrust regulators no longer block the merger from proceeding.
Google announced plans to acquire Wiz in March. The DOJ immediately opened a comprehensive investigation into whether the purchase would harm marketplace competition.
Federal officials examined if combining Google’s cloud business with Wiz’s security technology would illegally reduce competition. That review concluded with approval last month.
Impact on Google Cloud Strategy
The Wiz acquisition targets Google’s cloud computing ambitions. The cybersecurity company will join Google Cloud once the deal closes.
Wiz provides cloud security scanning and threat identification services. Businesses use the platform to detect vulnerabilities across their digital infrastructure.
Google Cloud trails Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Azure in market share. Adding Wiz’s capabilities represents a push to narrow that competitive distance.
The transaction exceeds all previous Alphabet purchases. No prior acquisition approached the $32 billion price tag.
Cloud security demand continues rising as companies face evolving digital threats. Organizations increasingly prioritize protecting data stored in cloud environments.
Remaining Regulatory Steps
DOJ approval doesn’t finalize the acquisition. Regulators in multiple countries still evaluate the transaction.
Rappaport told attendees that international reviews continue. Google expects these processes to conclude before a 2026 closing date.
A Google spokesperson stated the company anticipates completing regulatory requirements in other jurisdictions. Standard closing conditions must also be satisfied.
The Federal Trade Commission website shows the early termination filing. The FTC manages this process for both itself and the Justice Department.
The timing caught attention because the FTC said it wouldn’t grant early termination during government shutdowns. The agency also approved a Pfizer deal around the same period.
Google’s Broader Legal Landscape
The Wiz approval arrives during intense antitrust scrutiny of Google. Federal judges ruled the company illegally monopolized online search and ad tech markets in separate cases.
A Virginia judge currently weighs whether to order sales of Google’s advertising technology assets. That potential remedy could force major business changes.
Google defends its practices in courts worldwide. The company faces regulatory challenges across multiple jurisdictions.
Wiz founders previously built and sold another cybersecurity firm to Microsoft. That background positioned them for this Google transaction.
Details about Wiz’s operational integration remain unclear. The company will function within Google Cloud’s structure after closing.
Neither the DOJ nor Wiz provided additional comments. Google confirmed it continues working through remaining regulatory approvals.
The 2026 closing timeline depends on international clearances. Both companies must also meet standard transaction requirements.
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