The European Commission has given its unconditional approval for Google’s significant $32 billion acquisition of the cloud security firm Wiz, allowing the merger to move forward without any imposed conditions. This decision comes after a thorough evaluation under the EU Merger Regulation, determining no competitive concerns within the European Economic Area (EEA).
Thorough Market Evaluation
The Commission’s investigation involved gathering extensive feedback from cloud security customers and competitors. The analysis concluded that the acquisition does not threaten competition, as numerous credible alternatives remain available. This reassurance stems from the possibility that Google could bundle Wiz’s security platform with its existing services or if Wiz’s platform were to function exclusively with Google’s cloud.
Moreover, the investigation assessed whether Google would gain access to sensitive data from rival cloud services through Wiz. Findings showed that the data involved is not commercially sensitive and can be accessed by other security software providers, alleviating concerns about potential data misuse.
Market Impact and Future Outlook
Teresa Ribera, European Commission’s executive VP, emphasized that despite Google’s acquisition, the company remains behind Amazon and Microsoft in cloud infrastructure market shares. The analysis confirms customers will continue to have viable options and the capability to switch providers, maintaining a balanced competitive landscape.
This acquisition is part of a broader trend, being one of eight cybersecurity mergers exceeding $1 billion in 2025. Additionally, it successfully passed an antitrust review in the United States last November, further paving the way for completion.
Wiz’s Role in Google’s Ecosystem
Google has indicated that while Wiz will bolster its cloud capabilities, the security firm’s offerings will still be available across all major cloud platforms. This assurance addresses concerns that Wiz’s neutrality might be compromised, potentially driving customers deeper into Google’s ecosystem.
The approval represents a significant step in Google’s strategic expansion within the cloud security market, as it positions itself to enhance its service offerings while maintaining competitive integrity.
