SonicWall becomes independent

Francisco Partners and Elliott Management have completed the acquisition of Dell Software Group and the spinout of SonicWall as an independent company.

“SonicWall is a trusted partner to its customers and channel partners in 40 countries worldwide and is laser focussed on innovating next-generation network security. This acquisition will better enable SonicWall to continue its journey in delivering world-class solutions and help defend against the explosive growth of new cybersecurity threats,” said Dipanjan “DJ” Deb, Francisco Partners’ Co-Founder & CEO.

In conjunction with the creation of an independent SonicWall, the company named cybersecurity and networking veteran Bill Conner as its President and CEO. Conner previously served as CEO of Silent Circle and CEO of Entrust as well as President of Data Networks and then President of Enterprise Networks at Nortel Networks. “We are in the midst of a cybersecurity arms race,” said Conner. “As a standalone SonicWall brand, we can act even more deftly and quickly to serve channel partners and customers by offering products and services second to none.”

To continue its commitment to and investment in its channel partners, SonicWall also announced its SonicWall SecureFirst Partner Program, which introduces improved partner rewards, deal protection and expanded technical enablement on the SonicWall portfolio.

Dell EMC will continue to resell SonicWall’s entire product portfolio as it has done since before the acquisition by Dell.