Patria announced on 4 September 2024, the acquisition of an open-source data collection product and related business from cybersecurity firm WithSecure.
The transaction, whose value remains undisclosed, will enhance the company’s capabilities in its cyber business area and lead to the opening of a new office in Oulu. As part of the deal, ten experts from WithSecure currently involved in the business area will join Patria’s team.
The company intends to integrate the newly acquired product into its existing portfolio, which includes the Patria CRAWLR system, a tool designed for the collection and analysis of open-source data. The company has emphasised that this acquisition aligns with its broader strategy to develop cutting-edge solutions for battlefield and critical systems.
“Implementation of Patria’s growth strategy requires significant investment in product development, know-how and services. What Patria offers in its cyber business solutions and services is constantly being developed. Operational reliability and information security in all conditions are particularly essential when developing intelligence, monitoring and command systems to security-critical customers,” said Jussi Järvinen, executive vice president of Patria’s Finland division.
Järvinen further highlighted Oulu’s strategic importance, noting that the city boasts a significant concentration of defence industry expertise. “Expanding to Oulu also offers an opportunity for a wider talent base for Patria’s current and future needs, where Patria has already been present through its group’s subsidiary Senop,” he added.
The business transfer is set to be finalised on October 1, 2024. Patria states that the acquisition, which has received approval from the Finnish Ministry of Employment and the Economy (TEM), will not impact existing customer commitments, employment relationships, or other business area obligations.
Patria is jointly owned by the State of Finland, holding a 50.1% stake, and Norwegian Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace AS, which holds 49.9%. The company also owns 50% of Nammo, and together, these three entities form a leading defence partnership in the Nordic region.
