EMEA Daily: Google Buys Israeli Cybersecurity Firm Siemplify for $500M, UK’s New Investment Rules Kicks off Eyeing Foreign M&A

In today’s top Europe, Middle East and Africa news, Google has purchased Israeli cybersecurity firm Siemplify for $500 million, and the U.K.’s new investment rules have kicked off, eyeing foreign mergers and acquisitions (M&A). Plus, Denmark’s ComplyCloud snags 4.5 million euros, French telco Orange backs B2B tech fund and mobile payments for cross-border transactions soar.

Google Acquires Israeli Cybersecurity Startup Siemplify for $500M

Google confirmed its acquisition of Israeli cybersecurity startup Siemplify for $500 million on Tuesday (Jan. 4), giving the tech giant a stronger foothold in end-to-end business security services, better known as security orchestration, automation, and response (SOAR).

Siemplify will become part of Google Cloud’s security team, joining its Chronicle operation.

UK’s New Investment Rules Kicks Off Eyeing Foreign M&A

Starting today (Tuesday, Jan. 4), it will be a lot more challenging to acquire certain companies in the U.K. This is because the National Security and Investment Act (NSI), approved in 2021, will enter into force in the country, working through an independent investment review authority to scrutinize and intervene in deals that could affect the national security of the country.

Denmark’s ComplyCloud Snags 4.5M Euros To Expand Digital Software Lawyer

ComplyCloud, a Danish developer of a digital software lawyer, has secured a 4.5 million euro investment ($5.08 million) from local technology investor SEED Capital, the company announced on Tuesday (Jan. 4).

The Denmark startup consists of a team of developers and lawyers specializing in compliance who are helping companies meet the provisions of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the European Union’s data privacy law.

French Telecom Orange Backs B2B Tech Fund

Orange is investing in the “Move Capital I” fund in an effort to support future B2B tech “champions” in Europe, the French telecom announced Monday (Jan. 4).

The investment, which was for an undisclosed amount, is being made via the holding company Orange Digital Investments into Move Capital, which is active in fields such as internet of things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), cyber security and data analytics.

UK’s 2025 Full-Fiber Broadband Coverage Gets a Boost From Internet Service Providers

U.K.-based broadband provider Truespeed announced Tuesday (Jan. 4) that it has secured a 100 million pound ($135.2 million) investment from global asset management company Aviva Investors to connect more people in underserved locations in the U.K. to ultrafast broadband, particularly homes and businesses across the South West of England.

Mobile Payments for Cross-Border Transactions Soar, Forcing Merchants to Adapt Their Payments Systems

Cross-border transactions continue to gain traction around the world, with a staggering $156 trillion expected to cross international borders annually by 2022.

In Europe, more than 400 billion consumer transactions are expected to occur in the region each year by 2025, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13%.

European Data Protection Supervisor Urges Increased Data Protection in Card Payments

The European Union’s independent data protection authority has identified how data collected during card-based payment transactions can be used to profile customers and, if not handled adequately, can increase the risks of cyberattacks.