GitLab, a prominent provider of cloud-based software development tools based in the United States, is considering a sale following expressions of acquisition interest, as reported by Reuters based on source inputs. Valued at approximately $8 billion in market value, GitLab has initiated discussions with investment bankers to facilitate the sale process. Several industry peers, including cloud monitoring firm Datadog, have shown interest, according to insiders close to the negotiations.
As reported by Reuters, the sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the confidentiality of the matter, disclosed that while discussions are underway, a definitive agreement is not yet imminent.
Both GitLab and Datadog declined to comment on the ongoing speculations, reported Reuters. Similarly, Alphabet, which holds a 22.2 per cent voting stake in GitLab through its venture capital arm, refrained from providing any official statement.
AI-Driven Change
The surge in merger and acquisition activities within the technology sector underscores the industry's rapid evolution driven by advancements in artificial intelligence and cloud computing.
Recently, Alphabet has been in advanced talks to acquire cybersecurity startup Wiz for approximately $23 billion, following earlier considerations for an acquisition bid for marketing software company HubSpot, as reported by Reuters.
According to data from Dealogic, the technology sector led global mergers and acquisitions in the first half of 2024, marking a significant increase of over 42 per cent year-on-year to reach $327.2 billion.
What Is GitLab?
In case you were wondering, GitLab's platform is renowned for enabling seamless software development, operations, and security management through an integrated toolset. With more than 30 million registered users and adoption by over half of the Fortune 100 companies, GitLab operates with a remote-first approach, despite its nominal headquarters being in San Francisco.
GitLab's CEO and co-founder, Sid Sijbrandij, who controls a significant 45.51 per cent of the voting stock through dual-class shares, recently disclosed during the company's quarterly earnings call his ongoing treatment for osteosarcoma, a type of cancer, for the second time. Despite his health challenges, Sijbrandij expressed commitment to his role and aims for a full recovery.
Datadog, valued at $44 billion, specialises in software that facilitates collaboration and productivity measurement for technology professionals utilising cloud infrastructure.