MessageLabs acquires Fortium ICA Limited

Web security firm MessageLabs has acquired Fortium ICA Limited, an image composition analysis technology firm, in an undisclosed deal.

Fortium offers a scanning technology that can scan e-mails as well as Web sites and instant messages for inappropriate images. This can be used for spam detection and to prevent unwanted or offensive images from entering or leaving a corporate network. Fortium ICA's image analysis technology has been employed in MessageLabs' Image Control service for several years and the acquisition was part of the two firms growing together symbiotically.

“Fortium began to recognize that we were their most successful channel to market and we began to realize that we were using their technologies, and even augmenting our techniques based on what was in their technology,” said Steve Chandler, CFO at MessageLabs. “So, it was time for an acquisition.”

The acquisition strengthens MessageLabs's offering for security services in e-mail, Web and IM security, data loss prevention and archiving. The Fortium ICA technology is now fully integrated into MessageLabs' portfolio of managed services. Fortium ICA's current license agreements will be fully supported and maintained by Fortium ICA within MessageLabs with no disruption for customers.

Prior to the acquisition, Fortium ICA was a subsidiary of Fortium Technologies Limited, which will continue to operate its video copy control and fingerprint detection technologies as an independent company under the Fortium name.