US Department of Justice Antitrust Division concludes investigation into Google’s proposed acquisition of Mandiant

In a first-of-its-kind investigation, the US Department of Justice Antitrust Division concludes investigation into Google Cloud’s proposed acquisition of Mandiant. The acquisition encompasses a transfer of control over critical cybersecurity and network defense capabilities. <br><br>The Department’s investigation, which was closely coordinated with its counterparts at other federal agencies, ultimately concluded that Google Cloud’s proposed acquisition of Mandiant is unlikely to lessen competition substantially in cybersecurity services. The investigation and conclusion were grounded in a careful analysis of the evidence, including changes in market conditions and competitive dynamics that have evolved throughout the investigation. The Department also committed to ongoing scrutiny of cybersecurity markets to ensure that acquisitions or other conduct do not threaten competition in these critical markets.<br><br>Critical cybersecurity capabilities are essential for maintaining national security and economic stability. Mandiant provides a range of critical cybersecurity services, including threat intelligence, incident response, and managed defense. Google Cloud plans to integrate Mandiant’s capabilities into its cloud computing services. The Department’s first-ever investigation into a cloud provider’s acquisition of a major cybersecurity services provider underscores the Department’s ongoing commitment to protecting competition in critical infrastructure markets and guarding against anti-competitive effects arising from transfers of control over critical cybersecurity capabilities.