UK Chip Designer ARM Confirms Purchase of Israel's Sansa Security

By Orr Hirschauge

Chip designer ARM Holdings PLC Thursday confirmed the acquisition of Israel-based Sansa Security Inc., as the U.K. firm extends its reach into the world of computer-chip security.

Terms have not been disclosed. According to one source, ARM will pay around $90 million in cash for Sansa -- slightly higher than the range of between $75 million and $85 million reported by The Wall Street Journal in June

The deal will help ARM compete in the rapidly expanding market for computer chips that go in everyday objects, known as the Internet of Things. Cambridge, England-based ARM designs technology for chips found in more than 95% of the world's smartphones.

"Any connected device could be a target for a malicious attack so we must embed security at every potential attack point," ARM's chief technology officer, Mike Muller, said.

"Joining ARM will enable us to scale the business," Sansa Security's chief executive officer, Coby Sella, said.

Sansa Security provides security features for more than 150 million products a year, according to ARM's statement.

Write to Orr Hirschauge at [e-mail]