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Aladdin Knowledge Systems to Acquire Secure SafeWord from Secure Computing
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Acquisition of Secure SafeWord complements Aladdin eToken two-factor
authentication
solutions
SafeWord's strong channel partner network set to greatly enhance Aladdin channel
presence
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TEL AVIV, ISRAEL and SAN JOSE, CA, July 30, 2008
- Aladdin Knowledge Systems (NASDAQ:
ALDN),
an information security leader specializing in authentication, software DRM and
content security, and Secure Computing Corporation (NASDAQ: SCUR), a leading enterprise
gateway security company, today announced a definitive agreement for Aladdin to
acquire the Secure SafeWord product line for approximately $65 million in cash,
including acquisition costs.
The acquisition of Secure SafeWord will position Aladdin as the premier strong authentication
provider, adding highly innovative token technology as well as a strong market and
channel presence to the existing Aladdin eToken family of solutions. To continue
SafeWord's worldwide growth, Aladdin plans to fully engage and support Secure Computing's
substantial, vibrant network of current SafeWord channel partners. Secure SafeWord
added $32 million to Secure Computing's revenue in 2007.
"This acquisition is a major corporate milestone, as it quickly brings sizeable
revenues and growth opportunities that perfectly align with Aladdin's business,"
said Yanki Margalit, Chairman and CEO of Aladdin Knowledge Systems. "Through this
acquisition, Aladdin stands as a worldwide leader in strong authentication technology.
The incorporation of SafeWord into the Aladdin set of eToken authentication solutions
will benefit customers by providing them a broader range of solutions for their
security needs."
"After considering a number of prospective buyers, Secure Computing chose Aladdin
as the strongest partner, best suited to ensure a seamless transition and continued
best-in-class services and support for our Secure SafeWord customers and partners,"
said Daniel Ryan, president and CEO of Secure Computing. "The sale of Secure SafeWord
enables Secure Computing to redouble its focus on its areas of greatest strength
and expertise — delivering comprehensive and integrated Web, mail and network gateway
appliances. The company believes the vast majority of customers and channel partners
will both support and celebrate the company's renewed focus."
Secure Computing's SafeWord business unit and all of its employees, including the
SafeWord research and development group and SafeWord sales team, are expected to
be incorporated into Aladdin Knowledge Systems. The sale of SafeWord to Aladdin
Knowledge Systems by Secure Computing is subject to certain closing conditions which
are contained in the asset purchase agreement entered into by the parties. The transaction
is expected to be consummated in August or September 2008. Pending a successful
completion of the transaction, the acquisition is anticipated to be accretive to
Aladdin on a GAAP diluted earnings per share basis toward the last quarter of 2009.
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Teleconferences & Web Casts
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Aladdin will hold a teleconference today at 8:30 a.m. EDT to discuss the acquisition.
To participate in the call, dial +1 (888) 281-1167 in North America, or +972 (3)
918-0691 internationally, approximately five minutes prior to the scheduled call
start time. The call is being simultaneously Web cast and can be accessed on the
Aladdin Web site at
www.Aladdin.com/investor.
Please visit the Web site at least 15 minutes prior to the scheduled call time to
register for the Web cast and download any necessary audio software. A replay of
the call will be made available through August 6th by accessing +1 (888)
254-7270 in North America, or +972 (3) 925-5954 internationally.
Secure Computing will hold a conference call today at 9:00 a.m. EDT to discuss the
divestiture. To participate in the call, dial +1 (888) 324-2880 in North America,
or +1 210-839-8792 internationally, approximately five minutes prior to the scheduled
start time. The call is being simultaneously Web cast and can be accessed at the
Investor Relations section of the Secure Computing Web site at
www.securecomputing.com. In addition, a telephone
replay will be made available through August 6th by accessing +1 (888)
566-0619 in North America or +1 (402) 998-0719 internationally.
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About SafeWord
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SafeWord two-factor authentication technology protects companies' important information
assets and applications. Secure SafeWord's tokens and seamless integration with
any existing Microsoft infrastructure make it simple to deploy remote access authentication
for VPNs, Citrix applications, Web applications, Webmail, and Outlook Web Access.
SafeWord allows users to deploy and protect more applications, use phones as a two-factor
authenticator, and lower the overall total cost of ownership through tools that
make the job of deploying two-factor authentication simple for administrators and
users.
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About Secure Computing Corporation
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Secure Computing Corporation (NASDAQ: SCUR), a leading provider of enterprise gateway
security, delivers a comprehensive set of solutions that help customers protect
their critical Web, email and network assets. Over half the Fortune 50 and Fortune
500 are part of our more than 22,000 global customers, supported by a worldwide
network of more than 2,000 partners. The company is headquartered in San Jose, Calif.,
and has offices worldwide. For more information, see
www.securecomputing.com.
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About Aladdin
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Aladdin Knowledge Systems (NASDAQ: ALDN) is an information security leader with
offices in 12 countries, a worldwide network of channel partners, and numerous awards
for innovation. Aladdin eToken is the world's #1 USB-based authentication solution,
offering identity and access management tools that protect sensitive data. Aladdin
HASP SRM boosts growth for software developers and publishers through strong anti-piracy
protection, IP protection, and secure licensing and product activation. Aladdin
eSafe delivers real-time intelligent Web gateway security that helps protect data
and networks, improve productivity, and enable compliance. Visit
www.Aladdin.com.
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All product names and trademarks are the property of their respective firms.
This press release may contain forward-looking statements which are made pursuant
to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of
1995. Investors are cautioned that these forward-looking statements involve risks
and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from current
expectations. These risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, the expected
timing and benefits of of the proposed transaction and the risks and uncertainties
described from time to time in the companies' periodic reports filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission. The companies specifically disclaim any responsibility
for updating these forward-looking statements.
©2008 Aladdin Knowledge Systems, Ltd. All rights reserved. HASP, eToken, eSafe,
Aladdin Knowledge Systems and the Aladdin logo are trademarks or registered trademarks
of Aladdin Knowledge Systems, Ltd.
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####
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Aladdin Press Contact:
Matthew Zintel
Zintel Public Relations
310.574.8888
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Aladdin Company Contact:
Debbie Kaye
Corporate Communications Manager
646.468.0481
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Secure Computing Press Contact:
Paula Dunne
Contos Dunne Communications LLC
408.776.1400
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Secure Computing Contact:
Ally Zwahlen
Secure Computing Corporation
925.288.4175
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