FireEye gets USD 400mn investment, buys Respond Software for USD 186mn

Shares of FireEye jumped nearly 10 per cent in late trading on Thursday.

Blackstone will be joined by ClearSky, a cyber security-focused investment firm, as a co-investor in the transaction.

"Blackstone and ClearSky have a track record of developing and supporting industry-leading cyber security companies. Their investment validates our vision and provides financial, operational and leadership resources to accelerate our strategy," said Kevin Mandia, FireEye chief executive officer.

FireEye said it intends to use the funds to support strategic growth initiatives.

In a separate statement, FireEye announced it will acquire security startup Respond Software for $186 million in cash and stock.

In conjunction with Blackstone's investment in FireEye, FireEye will appoint Viral Patel, Senior Managing Director at Blackstone, to its Board of Directors upon the close of the transaction.  "Intelligence and expertise are critical in delivering effective cyber security solutions, and FireEye is an industry leader in both. We are excited to partner with the company's board and management to accelerate execution on their vision," said Patel.