Vista completes take-private buyout of cybersecurity firm KnowBe4

• KnowBe4 is no longer trading on the NASDAQ
• Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC served as financial advisor to KnowBe4’s Special Committee while Guggenheim Securities, LLC served as financial advisor to Vista
• Vista has more than $95 billion in assets under management as of September 30, 2022

Vista Equity Partners has closed its previously announced buyout of cybersecurity firm KnowBe4 Inc, in a take private deal for $24.90 per share in cash.

With the completion of this deal, KnowBe4 is no longer trading on the NASDAQ.

“The human element remains one of the most important yet neglected aspects of cybersecurity,” said Michael Fosnaugh, co-head of Vista’s flagship fund and senior managing director in a statement. “The opportunity to scale a business that is truly mission-critical to enterprises around the world is core to Vista’s investment approach and value creation efforts. This, combined with Stu’s track record as a visionary founder and KnowBe4’s demonstrated product leadership, makes partnering with the Company very exciting.”

Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC served as financial advisor to KnowBe4’s Special Committee while Potter Anderson & Corroon served as legal counsel.

Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, Professional Corporation served as legal advisor to KnowBe4.

Guggenheim Securities, LLC served as financial advisor to Vista and Kirkland & Ellis LLP served as legal counsel.

Vista has more than $95 billion in assets under management as of September 30, 2022. The firm exclusively invests in enterprise software, data and technology-enabled organizations.