시스코, 스플렁크 인수 통해 AI 환경에서 조직 보안 및 회복탄력성 강화 지원

뉴스 개요

• 시스코의 스플렁크 인수, 조직이 위협 탐지 및 대응에서 위협 예측 및 예방으로 전환할 수 있도록 지원
• 시스코와 스플렁크의 통합, 세계 최대 소프트웨어 회사 중 하나 될 것. 반복 매출 증가로 비즈니스 혁신 가속화
• 인수합병 거래 완료 후 첫 회계연도에는 현금흐름 흑자 및 매출 총이익 증가, 2년차에는 비일반회계기준(Non-GAAP) 주당순이익 증가 예상, 매출 성장과 총이익 확대 가속화 기대
• 비슷한 가치,  강력한 문화, 훌륭한 팀을 갖춰 일하기 좋은 기업(두 GPTW;Great Place to Work)  으로 평가받는 두 회사의 결합으로 AI 시대의 보안  및 옵저버빌리티를 선도할 수 있는 유리한 입지 확보

캘리포니아 산호세 및 샌프란시스코, 2023년 9월 21일 — 시스코(Cisco, NASDAQ: CSCO)와 사이버 보안 및 옵저버빌리티 전문 기업 스플렁크(Splunk, NASDAQ: SPLK)는 시스코가 현금으로 주당 157달러, 지분가치약 280억 달러(37조원)에 스플렁크를 인수하는 최종 계약을 체결했다고 발표했다. 인수완료 이후  개리 스틸(Gary Steele) 스플렁크 사장 겸 CEO는 시스코 경영진에 합류하여 척 로빈스(Chuck Robbins) 회장 겸 CEO에게 보고하게 된다.

시스코는 이번 인수를 통해 조직의 디지털 회복탄력성 강화를 지원하는 스플렁크의 전문성을 기반으로 모든 것을 안전하게 연결하여 모든 것을 가능하게 한다는 전략이다. AI, 보안, 옵저버빌리티 분야에서 확고한 입지를 다져온 두 선도 기업의 결합은 고객이 보안과 회복탄력성을 강화하는 데 도움이 될 것이다. 

척 로빈스  시스코 CEO는 "시스코와 스플렁크의 역량이 결합되어 차세대 AI 기반 보안과 옵저버빌리티를 선도해 나갈 것"이라고 밝히며 "위협 탐지 및 대응에서 위협 예측 및 방지로 전환하여 모든 규모의 조직이 더욱 안전하고 탄력적으로 대응할 수 있도록 지원할 것”이라고 강조했다.

개리 스틸 스플렁크 CEO는 “스플렁크는 시스코와 결합하여 성장의 다음 단계로 나아갈 것이며, 전 세계 조직의 회복탄력성을 향상시키고 주주들에게 탁월한 가치를 제공한다는 사명을 가속화할 것”이라고 말했다.

스플렁크는 시스코와 함께 데이터와 AI를 활용하여 고객에게 탁월한 성과를 제공하고 업계를 변화시키는 글로벌 보안 및 옵저버빌리티 리더로 우뚝 설 것이다. 혁신과 세계적 수준의 고객 경험을 중시하는 믿음직한 오랜 파트너와 힘을 합치게 되어 더 없이 기쁘다”고 밝히며 “목표를 향해 나아가며 높이 평가된 두 조직의 결합으로 스플렁크 직원 커뮤니티가 더 큰 기회를 얻을 수 있을 것으로 기대한다”고 덧붙였다.

오늘날 초연결 사회에서 데이터는 어디에나 존재하며, 모든 조직은 데이터를 기반으로 일상적인 비즈니스 운영과 중요한 의사 결정을 수행한다. 생성형 AI 도입 가속화, 위협 노출면 확대, 멀티 클라우드 환경 등을 고려하면 조직이 직면한 복잡성 수준은 이전과 비교할 수 없을 정도로 높아졌다. 조직은 데이터의 진정한 가치를 관리, 보호, 활용하고 디지털 회복탄력성을 유지할 수 있는 더 나은 방법이 필요하다.

스플렁크는 시스코와 함께 이러한 현 시대의 과제를 해결해 나갈 것이다.

시스코와 스플렁크의 결합은 AI, 보안, 옵저버빌리티 영역에서 시너지를 발휘하여 데이터 가치 활용과 디지털 회복탄력성 강화를 지원할 것이다.

특히 스플렁크 보안 기능은 시스코의 기존 포트폴리오를 보완하고 함께 연동되어 디바이스에서 애플리케이션, 클라우드까지 환경 전반에 대한 최고 수준의 보안 분석 및 커버리지를 제공할 것이다.

시스코와 스플렁크의 상호 보완적인 전문성이 결합되어 하이브리드 및 멀티 클라우드 환경 전반에 대한 옵저버빌리티를 제공하고 고객이 디지털 비즈니스를 강화하는 원활한 애플리케이션 경험을 제공할 수 있도록 지원할 것이다. 시스코와 스플렁크는 견실한 규모, 데이터 가시성, 신뢰 기반을 바탕으로 고객이 AI의 강점을 확실히 활용하도록 지원할 수 있는 유리한 위치에 있다. 두 조직의 결합으로 신규 솔루션에 대한 투자 증대, 혁신 가속화 및 글로벌 규모 확장을 통해 모든 규모의 고객 요구를 지원할 수 있게 될 것이다.

시스코의 스플렁크 인수는 비슷한 가치, 강력한 문화, 뛰어난 인재들로 구성된 팀, 목 지향적이라는 두 회사의 명성을 더욱 공고히 할 것이다. 이번 인수를 통해 혁신과 포용에 대한 열정을 공유하는 두 '일하기 좋은 기업(Great Place to Work)'이 통합되어 일하기 좋은 직장이자 소프트웨어 인재를 위한 최고의 직장으로 자리매김할 예정이다. 

인수 세부 사항

계약 조건에 따라 시스코는 현금으로 주당 157달러, 주식 가치로는 약 280억 달러에 해당하는 금액으로 스플렁크를 인수할 계획이다. 이번 거래는 완료 후 첫 회계연도에는 현금흐름 흑자 및 매출 총이익 증가를 가져올 것으로 예상되며, 2년차에는 비일반회계기준(Non-GAAP) 주당순이익 증가를 가져올 것으로 예상된다. 또한 이번 인수로 매출 성장과 총이익 확대가 가속화될 것이다. 

이번 거래는 이전에 발표한 시스코의 자사주 매입 프로그램이나 배당 프로그램에는 영향을 미치지 않는다.

이번 인수는 시스코와 스플렁크 양사 이사회에서 만장일치로 승인되었다. 이번 인수는 2024 회계연도 3분기 말에 완료될 것으로 예상되며, 규제 승인 및 스플렁크 주주들의 승인을 포함한 기타 관례적인 종결 조건에 따라 변동될 수 있다. 최종 계약에 포함된 모든 약관에 대한 자세한 내용은 이번 거래와 관련하여 제출될 Form 8-K 시스코 최신 보고서를 참조하기 바란다.

고문

Tidal Partners LLC가 시스코 재무 자문을, Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP가 법률 자문을, Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP가 규제 자문을 맡고 있다. Qatalyst Partners와 Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC가 스플렁크의 재무 자문을 맡고 있으며, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP가 법률 자문을 맡고 있다.

시스코 소개

Cisco (NASDAQ: CSCO)는 모든 것을 안전하게 연결하여 모든 것을 가능하게 만드는 세계적인 기술 선도 기업이다. 시스코의 목표는 고객이 애플리케이션을 재구상하고, 하이브리드 업무를 지원하고, 엔터프라이즈 환경을 보호하고, 인프라를 혁신하고, 지속 가능성 목표를 달성할 수 있도록 지원함으로써 모두를 위한 미래를 만드는 것이다. 더 많은 정보는 트위터에서 시스코(@Cisco)를 팔로우하고 뉴스룸에서 확인할 수 있다. Cisco 및 Cisco 로고는 미국 및 기타 국가에서 Cisco 및/또는 그 계열사의 상표 또는 등록 상표이다. Cisco의 상표 목록은 www.Cisco.com/go/trademarks 에서 확인할 수 있다. 언급된 타사 상표는 해당 소유자의 자산이다. 파트너라는 단어의 사용은 Cisco와 다른 회사 간의 파트너십 관계를 의미하지 않는다.

스플렁크 소개

Splunk Inc. (NASDAQ: SPLK)는 보다 안전하고 회복탄력성 있는 디지털 환경을 구축하도록 지원한다. 전 세계 조직들이 보안, 인프라, 애플리케이션 문제가 중대 사고로 이어지는 것을 방지하고, 디지털 디스럽션(Digital Disruption)으로 인한 충격을 흡수하며, 디지털 트랜스포메이션을 가속화하기 위해 스플렁크를 사용하고 있다.

Cisco Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may be deemed to contain forward-looking statements, which are subject to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any statements that are not statements of historical fact (including statements containing the words “will,” “believes,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “estimates,” “strives,” “goal,” “intends,” “may,” “endeavors,” “continues,” “projects,” “seeks,” or “targets,” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology, as well as similar expressions) should be considered to be forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Readers should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, as these statements are the management’s beliefs and assumptions, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain, and outside of the management’s control.  Forward-looking statements may include statements regarding the expected benefits to Cisco, Splunk and their respective customers from completing the transaction, the integration of Splunk’s and Cisco’s complementary capabilities to create an end-to-end platform designed to unlock greater digital resilience for customers, plans for future investment and capital allocation, the expected financial performance of Cisco following the expected completion of the transaction, and the expected completion of the transaction. Statements regarding future events are based on the parties’ current expectations, estimates and projections and are necessarily subject to associated risks related to, among other things, (i) the completion of the proposed transaction on anticipated terms and timing, including obtaining stockholder and regulatory approvals and other conditions to the completion of the transaction, (ii) the effect of the announcement or pendency of the proposed transaction on Splunk’s business, operating results, and relationships with customers, suppliers, competitors and others, (iii) risks that the proposed transaction may disrupt Splunk’s current plans and business operations, (iv) risks related to the diverting of management’s attention from Splunk’s ongoing business operations, (v) the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the termination of the definitive agreement, (vi) the outcome of any legal proceedings related to the transaction, (vii) the potential effects on the accounting of the proposed transaction, (viii) legislative, regulatory and economic developments, (ix) general economic conditions, (x) restrictions during the pendency of the proposed transaction that may impact Splunk’s ability to pursue certain business opportunities or strategic transactions, (xi) the retention of key personnel and (xii) the ability of Cisco to successfully integrate Splunk’s market opportunities, technology, personnel and operations and to achieve expected benefits. Therefore, actual results may differ materially and adversely from the anticipated results or outcomes indicated in any forward-looking statements. For information regarding other related risks, see the “Risk Factors” section of Cisco’s most recent report on Form 10-K filed on September 7, 2023, as well as the “Risk Factors” section of Splunk’s most recent reports on Form 10-Q and Form 10-K filed with the SEC on August 24, 2023, and March 23, 2023, respectively. The parties undertake no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements for any reason, except as required by law.

Splunk Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the federal securities laws, including Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements are based on Splunk’s current expectations, estimates and projections about the expected date of closing of the proposed transaction and the potential benefits thereof, its business and industry, management’s beliefs and certain assumptions made by Splunk and Cisco, all of which are subject to change. In this context, forward-looking statements often address expected future business and financial performance and financial condition, and often contain words such as “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “could,” “seek,” “see,” “will,” “may,” “would,” “might,” “potentially,” “estimate,” “continue,” “expect,” “target,” similar expressions or the negatives of these words or other comparable terminology that convey uncertainty of future events or outcomes. All forward-looking statements by their nature address matters that involve risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control, and are not guarantees of future results, such as statements about the consummation of the proposed transaction and the anticipated benefits thereof. These and other forward-looking statements, including the failure to consummate the proposed transaction or to make or take any filing or other action required to consummate the transaction on a timely matter or at all, are not guarantees of future results and are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements. Accordingly, there are or will be important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in such statements and, therefore, you should not place undue reliance on any such statements and caution must be exercised in relying on forward-looking statements. Important risk factors that may cause such a difference include, but are not limited to: (i) the completion of the proposed transaction on anticipated terms and timing, including obtaining shareholder and regulatory approvals, anticipated tax treatment, unforeseen liabilities, future capital expenditures, revenues, expenses, earnings, synergies, economic performance, indebtedness, financial condition, losses, future prospects, business and management strategies for the management, expansion and growth of Splunk’s business and other conditions to the completion of the transaction; (ii) the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Splunk’s business and general economic conditions; (iii) Splunk’s ability to implement its business strategy; (iv) significant transaction costs associated with the proposed transaction; (v) potential litigation relating to the proposed transaction; (vi) the risk that disruptions from the proposed transaction will harm Splunk’s business, including current plans and operations; (vii) the ability of Splunk to retain and hire key personnel; (viii) potential adverse reactions or changes to business relationships resulting from the announcement or completion of the proposed transaction; (ix) legislative, regulatory and economic developments affecting Splunk’s business; (x) general economic and market developments and conditions; (xi) the evolving legal, regulatory and tax regimes under which Splunk operates; (xii) potential business uncertainty, including changes to existing business relationships, during the pendency of the merger that could affect Splunk’s financial performance; (xiii) restrictions during the pendency of the proposed transaction that may impact Splunk’s ability to pursue certain business opportunities or strategic transactions; and (xiv) unpredictability and severity of catastrophic events, including, but not limited to, acts of terrorism or outbreak of war or hostilities, as well as Splunk’s response to any of the aforementioned factors. These risks, as well as other risks associated with the proposed transaction, are more fully discussed in the proxy statement to be filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in connection with the proposed transaction. While the list of factors presented here is, and the list of factors presented in the proxy statement will be, considered representative, no such list should be considered to be a complete statement of all potential risks and uncertainties. Unlisted factors may present significant additional obstacles to the realization of forward looking statements. Consequences of material differences in results as compared with those anticipated in the forward-looking statements could include, among other things, business disruption, operational problems, financial loss, legal liability to third parties and similar risks, any of which could have a material adverse effect on Splunk’s financial condition, results of operations, or liquidity. Splunk does not assume any obligation to publicly provide revisions or updates to any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, should circumstances change, except as otherwise required by securities and other applicable laws.

Non-GAAP Information

This press release includes future estimated non-GAAP EPS information. Non-GAAP measures are not in accordance with, or an alternative for, measures prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and may be different from non-GAAP measures used by other companies. In addition, non-GAAP measures are not based on any comprehensive set of accounting rules or principles. Cisco believes that non-GAAP measures have limitations in that they do not reflect all of the amounts associated with Cisco’s results of operations as determined in accordance with GAAP and that these measures should only be used to evaluate Cisco’s results of operations in conjunction with the corresponding GAAP measures. Cisco believes that the presentation of non-GAAP measures provides useful information to investors and management regarding financial and business trends relating to its financial condition and its historical and projected results of operations. We have not reconciled future estimated non-GAAP EPS information included in this presentation to the most directly comparable GAAP measure because this cannot be done without unreasonable effort because we do not currently have sufficient data to accurately estimate the individual adjustments included in the most directly comparable GAAP measure that would be necessary for such reconciliations. We expect the variability of these items to have a potentially unpredictable, and a potentially significant, impact on our future GAAP financial results.

Additional Information and Where to Find It

In connection with the proposed transaction and required stockholder approval, Splunk will file with the SEC a preliminary proxy statement and a definitive proxy statement. The proxy statement will be mailed to the stockholders of Splunk. Splunk’s stockholders are urged to carefully read the proxy statement (including all amendments, supplements and any documents incorporated by reference therein) and other relevant materials filed or to be filed with the SEC and in their entirety when they become available because they will contain important information about the proposed transaction and the parties to the transaction. Investors may obtain free copies of these documents (when they are available) and other documents filed with the SEC at its website at www.sec.gov. In addition, investors may obtain free copies of the documents filed with the SEC by Splunk by going to Splunk’s Investor Relations page on its corporate website at https://investors.splunk.com or by contacting Splunk Investor Relations at ir@splunk.com.

Participants in the Solicitation

Splunk and its executive officers and directors may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from Splunk’s stockholders with respect to the transaction. Information about Splunk’s directors and executive officers, including their ownership of Splunk securities, is set forth in the proxy statement for Splunk’s 2023 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which was filed with the SEC on May 9, 2023, Form 8- K filed with the SEC on September 21, 2023, and Splunk’s other filings with the SEC. Investors may obtain more detailed information regarding the direct and indirect interests of Splunk and its respective executive officers and directors in the transaction, which may be different than those of Splunk stockholders generally, by reading the preliminary and definitive proxy statements regarding the transaction, which will be filed with the SEC. In addition, Cisco and its executive officers and directors may be deemed to have participated in the solicitation of proxies from Splunk’s stockholders in favor of the approval of the transaction. Information concerning Cisco’s directors and executive officers is set forth in Cisco’s proxy statement for its 2022 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which was filed with the SEC on October 18, 2022, annual report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on September 7, 2023, Forms 8-K filed with the SEC on February 21, 2023, July 19, 2023, and September 21, 2023, and Cisco’s other filings with the SEC. These documents are available free of charge at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov or by going to Cisco’s Investor Relations website at https://investor.cisco.com.