Control of NSO Group is set to leave Israel's hands. A group of American investors led by Hollywood producer Robert Simonds has agreed to acquire the controversial spyware maker in a deal worth several tens of millions of dollars.
The transaction is expected to be signed in the coming days, although its completion will require approval from the Israeli Defense Export Control Agency (DECA) at the Ministry of Defense.
As of March 2023, NSO shares have been held by a Luxembourg-based holding company, wholly owned by founder Omri Lavie. The company's lender syndicate, which had provided loans of about $500 million to finance a share buyback by private equity fund Francisco Partners, transferred ownership to Lavie.
Shortly after the transfer, Simonds, a Hollywood producer and founder of STX Entertainment, known for films starring Adam Sandler and Reese Witherspoon, joined the holding company's board of directors.
In June 2023, Simonds attempted to acquire NSO, but resigned from the board two months later after his attempt failed.
Now, two and a half years later, Simonds has managed to broker a deal to acquire the company. Final terms have not been announced, but the deal is expected to include the sale of NSO's debt, which amounts to about $500 million.
Although the press releases will range from very select to rare, I said I'd pass...because sometimes the editors hide.
