Intel to buy McAfee in $7.68 billion deal

NEW YORK (AP) — Intel Corp. said Thursday it is buying computer-security software maker McAfee Inc. for $7.68 billion as the chip-maker adds to its arsenal of tools to serve an increasing array of Internet-connected devices, including mobile phones.

The $48-per-share price represents a 60 percent premium over McAfee’s Wednesday close of $29.93. McAfee shares surged 58 percent after the deal was announced Thursday to hit $47.42 in premarket trading. Intel shares slipped 2.5 percent to $19.11.

Intel, which is based in Santa Clara, Calif., said security is now a fundamental component of online computing, but today’s approach to security isn’t adequate for the growing availability of Internet connections on mobile phones, medical devices, ATMs, automobiles and elsewhere.

The industry needs a new approach that combines software, hardware and services to meet tomorrow’s needs, the company said.