MobileIron Acquisition: Key Details, Impact, and What Comes Next

Ivanti's acquisition of MobileIron marks a significant move in the IT security landscape. By integrating MobileIron's mobile-centric solutions, Ivanti aims to bolster its capabilities in Unified Endpoint Management and Zero Trust Security. This strategic acquisition underscores Ivanti's commitment to providing comprehensive security solutions for the modern, distributed work environment.

What Is MobileIron?

Founded in 2007, MobileIron specializes in mobile-centric security platforms. Its core products include Mobile Device Management, Zero Sign-On, Mobile Threat Defense, and Secure Connectivity. MobileIron differentiates itself with the industry’s first mobile-centric, zero trust platform built on a unified endpoint management foundation. This platform ensures that only authorized users, devices, apps, and services can access business resources. Additionally, MobileIron offers robust post-sale support, including technical assistance and community forums, to maintain customer productivity.

Who Acquired MobileIron?

Ivanti plays a crucial role in the IT industry by providing solutions that find, heal, and protect devices automatically. Their key products include Asset Discovery, Unified Endpoint Management, Network & Endpoint Security, and Service & Asset Management. Ivanti is trusted by over 35,000 customers worldwide, underscoring its significant influence in enabling secure and efficient work environments for teams globally. Their comprehensive research and customer testimonials highlight their strong presence in the IT and cybersecurity sectors.

When Was MobileIron Acquired?

Ivanti completed the acquisition of MobileIron on December 1, 2020. This strategic move came at a time when the industry was heavily focused on enhancing remote work capabilities due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The acquisition aimed to strengthen Ivanti's position in Unified Endpoint Management and Zero Trust Security, addressing the growing need for secure and efficient remote work solutions. This timing was crucial as enterprises were rapidly adopting digital transformation to ensure productivity and compliance in a distributed work environment.

Why Was MobileIron Acquired?

• Market Expansion: The acquisition of MobileIron and Pulse Secure significantly broadens Ivanti's market presence, establishing it as a global leader in Unified Endpoint Management (UEM), Zero Trust Security, and IT Service Management (ITSM). This strategic move addresses the growing demand for secure and efficient remote work solutions, positioning Ivanti to meet the needs of the modern, distributed workforce.
• Technology Integration: By integrating MobileIron’s mobile-centric UEM solutions and Pulse Secure’s secure access technologies, Ivanti enhances its platform capabilities. This integration allows organizations to self-heal, self-secure, and self-service devices, leveraging Ivanti's Neurons hyper-automation platform to provide smarter and more secure IT connections through zero trust security and contextual automation.
• Competitive Advantage: The acquisition strengthens Ivanti's competitive position by offering comprehensive end-to-end coverage for discovering, managing, securing, and servicing every endpoint. This unique combination of solutions enables Ivanti to deliver real-time intelligence into device health, security, and performance, thereby improving productivity, operational speed, and quality of service for its customers.

Acquisition Terms

• Acquisition Price: Ivanti acquired all outstanding shares of MobileIron common stock for a total value of approximately $872 million.
• Payment Method: MobileIron stockholders received $7.05 in cash per share.
• Key Conditions or Agreements:
  • MobileIron shareholders approved the acquisition at a special stockholder meeting on November 24, 2020, with over 91% of the voted shares in favor of the acquisition.
  • The transaction is subject to regulatory and customary closing conditions.
  • Debt financing for the acquisitions was provided by Morgan Stanley Senior Funding, Inc., BofA Securities, UBS Investment Bank, and BMO Capital Markets.
  • The combined company will be led by Ivanti Chairman and CEO Jim Schaper.

Impact on MobileIron

The acquisition of MobileIron by Ivanti has led to significant changes in operations and management. Ivanti has integrated MobileIron's team into its operations, enhancing its capabilities in providing intelligent and secure IT solutions. The combined company is now led by Ivanti Chairman and CEO Jim Schaper, ensuring a unified direction and strategy. This integration aims to deliver a comprehensive set of solutions for endpoint management and security, leveraging Ivanti's Neurons hyper-automation platform to manage and secure all device types.

In terms of product offerings and services, the merger has expanded Ivanti's portfolio to include more robust Unified Endpoint Management, Zero Trust Security, and IT Service Management solutions. Customers now benefit from real-time intelligence into device health, security, and performance, improving operational speed, cost, and quality of service. Employee reactions have been positive, with key executives expressing confidence in the enhanced opportunities the merger brings. While specific customer reactions were not detailed, the combined solutions are expected to better serve the customer base by providing critical tools needed to tackle IT challenges in the new normal of remote work.

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