HP could acquire Check Point

Check Point wasn't able to acquire SourceFire, but in the end maybe the two companies will be together in any case.

Forbes reported HP is going to massively invest in 2007 and among others a potential target is Check Point.

This could appear as an answer to growing interest of IBM in security companies, which just acquired Internet Security Systems (ISS).

If this acquisition would be confirmed I strongly doubt Check Point would be able to maintain its leadership in firewalls segment: HP could follow IBM path and blend Check Point offering with its customers-oriented services.
Also, HP is not known and trusted as security provider among the large public. Changing the name Check Point VPN-1 in HP VPN-1 would hardly conquer the interest and trust of potential customers.

I would say this can't be worst than being acquired by Symantec of Borg, but I'm not sure.


Update: Globes offers another point of view, suggesting Check Point could be near an acquisition or a merge with another company of the same size. Possibly the Nokia security division, manifacturing since so many years appliances for Check Point VPN-1.


Second update: In an interesting analysis Seeking Alpha reports Check Point's CEO firm intention to not be acquired.