By Ovunc Kutlu
ISTANBUL (AA) - Mastercard announced Thursday it will acquire cybersecurity and global threat intelligence company Recorded Future for $2.65 billion.
"The acquisition bolsters the insights and intelligence used to secure today’s digital economy – in the payments ecosystem and beyond," Mastercard said in a statement.
Recorded Future has more than 1,900 clients across 75 countries, including the governments of 45 countries and over 50% of the Fortune 100 companies, it said.
Cybercrime is projected to cost $9.2 trillion globally this year alone, according to the statement.
"Recorded Future adds to how we deliver that greater peace of mind before, during and after the payment transaction," said Craig Vosburg, chief services officer at Mastercard. "Together we will innovate faster, create smarter models and anticipate emerging threats before cyberattacks can take place – in payments and beyond."
Recorded Future CEO Christopher Ahlberg said the company sees an opportunity to help more businesses and governments by joining Mastercard with steps to realize their full potential, and "enable everyone to feel safer in their daily lives."
The deal is expected to close by the first quarter of 2025.