Google is said to discuss buying Mandiant; Microsoft bows out

Google and Microsoft are both looking to bolster their cybersecurity operations – an increasingly vital part of the companies’ cloud-computing businesses. With Mandiant, Google gets more tools to protect clients and respond to online threats. — Reuters

Google is in talks to acquire cybersecurity company Mandiant Inc in what would be its second-biggest deal ever, according to a person familiar with the matter, after rival suitor Microsoft Corp backed out of discussions.

Microsoft pulled out of talks more than a week ago, said two people with knowledge of the deliberations who asked not to be identified because the situation is private. The discussions with Google, first reported by the Information website, sent shares of Mandiant up 16% at the close of trading Monday.