UK-listed cybersecurity firm Avast is in merger talks with NortonLifeLock. This deal would create a clear leader in consumer security software. Avast said an offer would be in cash and shares. But the company added there was no certainty a deal will be agreed. Avast, which was founded and based in Prague, Czech Republic, is a pioneer of "freemium" software. This means that basic applications are free and subscribers pay for premium features.
Its Avast and AVG branded desktop and mobile software had more than 435 million active users at the end of 2020. Of those active users, 16.5 million are paying customers. The shift to home working during the COVID-19 pandemic spurred demand for its desktop products like antivirus software. During this time, a 7.1% organic growth in adjusted...
