Cellebrite, the Israel-based firm known for its forensic tools used to unlock encrypted smartphones, has announced plans to acquire mobile testing startup Corellium in a deal valued at $170 million. Under the terms of the agreement, Cellebrite will pay $150 million in cash, with the remaining $20 million converting into equity upon the deal’s completion.
Cellebrite stated that the acquisition will accelerate its ability to identify and exploit mobile vulnerabilities, an essential part of its forensic capabilities. The company’s technology routinely employs undisclosed vulnerabilities, including sophisticated zero-day exploits, to extract secured data from mobile devices.
Corellium, on the other hand, operates virtual, cloud-based environments for Android and iOS platforms that allow clients to test app security and conduct vulnerability assessments without the need for physical devices. Its technology previously drew the attention and opposition of Apple, which had sought unsuccessfully to halt its services.
The transaction is expected to close by the end of the year, pending a review by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), the regulatory body responsible for overseeing mergers and acquisitions that could have implications for national security.
