Alphabet, Google’s Parent Company, Plans to Acquire Wiz for $32 Billion – EU Decision Imminent
- Why is Alphabet Acquiring Wiz?
- What’s the Status of Regulatory Approval?
- How Does This Fit Into Alphabet’s Broader Strategy?
- Are There Political or Antitrust Concerns?
- What’s Next for Wiz and Google Cloud?
- How Have Markets Reacted?
- Could the Deal Still Collapse?
- What’s the Bigger Picture for Cybersecurity?
Alphabet, the parent company of Google, is on the verge of finalizing a landmark $32 billion acquisition of cybersecurity firm Wiz, pending approval from EU regulators by February 10. The deal, already greenlit by U.S. authorities, would mark Alphabet's largest acquisition to date, bolstering its cloud security capabilities to compete with rivals like Amazon and Microsoft. Here’s a deep dive into the stakes, regulatory hurdles, and strategic implications.
Why is Alphabet Acquiring Wiz?
Alphabet’s proposed $32 billion purchase of Wiz is a strategic move to strengthen its cloud computing division, Google Cloud. Cybersecurity has become a critical battleground in cloud services, and Wiz’s cutting-edge threat detection technology would give Google an edge against competitors like Microsoft Azure and AWS. The deal, first announced in March 2025, reflects Alphabet’s aggressive investment in high-growth sectors. Wiz, an Israeli startup, was valued at $12 billion in a private funding round last May but rejected Alphabet’s initial $23 billion offer, prompting the higher bid.
What’s the Status of Regulatory Approval?
The European Commission is set to decide by February 10 whether to approve, modify, or launch a full investigation into the acquisition. U.S. regulators, including the Department of Justice, already cleared the deal in November 2025 after a seven-month antitrust review. Assaf Rappaport, Wiz’s CEO, confirmed the U.S. approval but noted other global regulators are still scrutinizing the transaction. If the EU gives the nod, Wiz will integrate into Google Cloud, which generated over $40 billion in revenue in 2024.
How Does This Fit Into Alphabet’s Broader Strategy?
Alphabet has been doubling down on cloud and AI investments. In 2025 alone, Google’s stock surged 65%, outpacing rivals like Microsoft and Nvidia. The Wiz acquisition aligns with its push to dominate cloud infrastructure—a sector where security is a top concern for enterprise clients. Analysts at BTCC note that owning Wiz could help Google close the gap with AWS, which currently leads the $1 trillion cloud market.
Are There Political or Antitrust Concerns?
Yes. The deal has drawn scrutiny amid rising antitrust sentiment toward Big Tech. The FTC initially signaled skepticism but ultimately deferred to the DOJ’s approval. In Europe, regulators are wary of monopolistic practices, though experts predict a conditional approval. Notably, former President Trump’s warmer relations with tech execs in late 2025—including a high-profile dinner with CEOs like Tim Cook and Mark Zuckerberg—may have eased U.S. regulatory tensions.
What’s Next for Wiz and Google Cloud?
Post-acquisition, Wiz’s team is expected to operate semi-autonomously under Google Cloud, similar to previous acquisitions like Mandiant. The integration will likely focus on merging Wiz’s real-time risk assessment tools with Google’s AI-driven security platforms. For context, Google’s cloud unit grew 28% YoY in 2024, faster than its Core search business.
How Have Markets Reacted?
Investors cheered the U.S. approval, sending Alphabet shares up 4% in November. Wiz’s valuation leap—from $12 billion to $32 billion in under a year—highlights the frothy demand for cybersecurity assets. "This isn’t just a purchase; it’s a statement," remarked a BTCC analyst. "Google’s saying it won’t lose the cloud wars."
Could the Deal Still Collapse?
Unlikely, but not impossible. The EU could demand concessions, such as data-sharing mandates or divestitures. However, with U.S. approval secured and Wiz’s board endorsing the terms, the path is clear unless regulators uncover unforeseen red flags.
What’s the Bigger Picture for Cybersecurity?
Consolidation is rampant. Microsoft’s $20 billion buyout of RiskIQ in 2023 set the tone, and Wiz’s sale underscores how startups are becoming kingmakers in tech’s high-stakes security arms race. For Google, this is about more than revenue—it’s about credibility in a sector where trust is paramount.