Norton and Avast announce massive merger worth over $8 billion

Norton Antivirus Hero
Norton Antivirus Hero (Image credit: Dan Thorp-Lancaster / Windows Central)

What you need to know

  • NortonLifeLock will acquire Avast as part of a merger worth over $8 billion.
  • The deal includes NortonLifeLock acquiring all of Avast's shares.
  • Following the merger, the combined companies will have over 500 million customers.

NortonLifeLock will acquire Avast as part of a merger valued between $8.1 billion and $8.6 billion. The acquisition combines two of the best antivirus software makers. The deal will see NortonLife purchase all of Avast's shares. The combined companies will have over 500 million customers. By the end of the second year following the merger, NortonLifeLock expects to reach a costs savings of approximately $280 million.

"This transaction is a huge step forward for consumer Cyber Safety and will ultimately enable us to achieve our vision to protect and empower people to live their digital lives safely," says Vincent Pilette, chief executive officer of NortonLifeLock. "With this combination, we can strengthen our Cyber Safety platform and make it available to more than 500 million users. We will also have the ability to further accelerate innovation to transform Cyber Safety."

Avast's chief executive officer, Ondřej Vlček, also shares thoughts on the merger. "At a time when global cyber threats are growing, yet cyber safety penetration remains very low, together with NortonLifeLock, we will be able to accelerate our shared vision of providing holistic cyber protection for consumers around the globe," says Vlček. "Our talented teams will have better opportunities to innovate and develop enhanced solutions and services, with improved capabilities from access to superior data insights. Through our well-established brands, greater geographic diversification and access to a larger global user base, the combined businesses will be poised to access the significant growth opportunity that exists worldwide."

Avast shareholders will be entitled to a combination of cash considerations and newly issued shares in NortonLifeLock. People can also choose alternative considerations.

Sean Endicott
News Writer and apps editor

Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He's covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean's journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.