In a move to make a big splash in expanding its cybersecurity footprint, Google has officially announced a $32 billion all-cash deal to buy cloud security company Wiz. The acquisition is the biggest in Google history, topping its 2011 acquisition of Motorola Mobility. Of note, the deal comes with another $1 billion in retention bonuses to keep Wiz’s 1,700 workers on board following the takeover.

Even after joining Google, Wiz will remain an independent platform, providing its security solutions on various cloud providers. This move reflects Google’s plan to utilize Wiz’s knowledge without limiting its services to Google Cloud. Further, the acquisition is part of Google’s larger plan to bridge the gap with cloud behemoths Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Azure.

Google Cloud Chief Executive Thomas Kurian highlighted the importance of the acquisition. “Google Cloud and Wiz are united in the mission to streamline and fortify cybersecurity for businesses globally. Coming together, we will make enterprise security more impactful and accessible,” he said.

The purchase follows almost a year of talks, with earlier negotiations breaking down over regulatory issues and Wiz’s demand for independence. But changing market circumstances and an escalating demand for sophisticated security products kept the conversations going before eventually resolving into the signed deal.

Wiz’s high growth has rendered it a very attractive acquisition. The company now generates $700 million in annual recurring revenue and is on track to reach $1 billion soon. For Google, this acquisition not only strengthens its cybersecurity abilities but also makes it a better competitor in the new cloud security world.

Google expects to complete the deal in 2026 once it secures the necessary final approvals. If the deal goes through, it will mark a major advancement in Google’s cloud service plans. This will bring significant changes to the field of cybersecurity and enhance Google’s standing as a top leader in digital protection.