CyberArk Shareholders Approve Acquisition by Palo Alto Networks, Paving the Way for a Landmark Cybersecurity Merger
CyberArk (NASDAQ: CYBR), the global leader in identity security, today announced that its shareholders have overwhelmingly approved the acquisition of the company by Palo Alto Networks (“PANW”). The vote took place during a special meeting of shareholders held on November 13, 2025, marking a significant milestone in the proposed transaction. Shareholders demonstrated strong support for the deal, with approximately 99.8% voting in favor of the acquisition.
The transaction, first announced on July 30, 2025, is expected to close during the second half of Palo Alto Networks’ fiscal year 2026. The completion of the deal remains subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals. Once finalized, the merger will unite two of the most prominent leaders in the cybersecurity industry, creating a powerhouse equipped to address the rapidly evolving challenges of securing identities in the age of artificial intelligence (AI).
A Visionary Merger to Advance Identity Security
In a statement following the shareholder vote, Matt Cohen, Chief Executive Officer of CyberArk, expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support from shareholders. “We would like to thank our shareholders for their strong support in approving the acquisition of CyberArk by Palo Alto Networks,” said Cohen. “Today, we move one step closer to bringing together two cybersecurity leaders to advance our vision of securing every identity — human, machine, and AI — with intelligent privilege controls through a modern platform built for the AI era.”
The acquisition underscores the growing importance of identity security in an increasingly digital and interconnected world. As organizations adopt AI-driven technologies and expand their digital ecosystems, the need for robust identity management and privilege controls has never been more critical. By combining CyberArk’s expertise in identity security with Palo Alto Networks’ comprehensive cybersecurity platform, the merged entity aims to deliver unparalleled protection for enterprises navigating the complexities of the modern threat landscape.
Transaction Details and Shareholder Approval
Under the terms of the definitive agreement, Palo Alto Networks will acquire CyberArk in a cash-and-stock transaction. Shareholders of CyberArk will receive $45.00 in cash and 2.2005 shares of Palo Alto Networks common stock for each share of CyberArk stock they own. This structure reflects the strategic value both companies see in the merger, offering CyberArk shareholders immediate liquidity while enabling them to participate in the long-term growth potential of the combined entity.
The proposal received near-unanimous approval from CyberArk shareholders, highlighting confidence in the strategic rationale and financial benefits of the deal. With approximately 99.8% of votes cast in favor, the outcome underscores the alignment between CyberArk’s leadership, its shareholders, and Palo Alto Networks regarding the transaction’s potential to drive innovation and enhance customer value.
Strategic Synergies and Market Leadership
The merger represents a bold step forward in addressing the escalating demand for integrated cybersecurity solutions. CyberArk’s leadership in identity security, particularly its focus on privileged access management (PAM), complements Palo Alto Networks’ extensive portfolio of network security, cloud security, and advanced threat detection capabilities. Together, the companies aim to create a unified platform that delivers end-to-end protection across all aspects of an organization’s digital infrastructure.
Key areas of synergy include:
- Enhanced Identity Security: By integrating CyberArk’s identity security solutions with Palo Alto Networks’ platform, the combined entity will offer a comprehensive approach to managing and securing identities, whether human, machine, or AI-driven.
- AI-Driven Innovation: Both companies are committed to leveraging AI to enhance their offerings. The merger will enable the development of next-generation tools capable of detecting and mitigating threats in real time, ensuring enterprises stay ahead of cyber adversaries.
- Scalability and Global Reach: The combined resources and expertise of CyberArk and Palo Alto Networks will allow the new entity to scale its operations globally, addressing the needs of diverse industries and geographies.
Regulatory and Closing Conditions
While the shareholder approval marks a significant step forward, the transaction remains subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals. Both companies are actively working with regulators to ensure compliance and facilitate a smooth transition. The anticipated closure during the second half of Palo Alto Networks’ fiscal year 2026 reflects the complexity of integrating two large-scale organizations while adhering to legal and regulatory requirements.
About CyberArk
CyberArk (NASDAQ: CYBR) is the global leader in identity security, trusted by organizations around the world to secure human and machine identities in the modern enterprise. CyberArk’s AI-powered Identity Security Platform applies intelligent privilege controls to every identity with continuous threat prevention, detection and response across the identity lifecycle. With CyberArk, organizations can reduce operational and security risks by enabling zero trust and least privilege with complete visibility, empowering all users and identities, including workforce, IT, developers and machines, to securely access any resource, located anywhere, from everywhere. Learn more at cyberark.com.
