DNV Forges Europe’s Leading Cyber Security Services Business through Mergers

Nixu Board gives recommendation supporting DNV’s tender offer, in Helsinki in February 2023. From left: Remi Eriksen, Group President and CEO at DNV; Liv Hovem, CEO of DNV’s Accelerator; Teemu Salmi, CEO Nixu and DNV Cyber; Jari Nisk, Chairman of the Board at Nixu.

(IN BRIEF) DNV, a leading assurance and risk management provider, has combined its cyber security division with two recently acquired companies – Nixu and Applied Risk – to create one of Europe’s fastest-growing cyber security services businesses. This merger brings together over 500 cyber security experts to safeguard IT and industrial control system environments across various industries. Nixu CEO Teemu Salmi will lead the combined business, which will operate under the brand name DNV Cyber from mid-2024. The merged entity aims to become Europe’s premier customer-centric cyber security services provider, offering a comprehensive portfolio of consulting and managed cyber security services. Additionally, DNV and Nixu have integrated their management systems certification businesses to enhance their capacity in providing information security certification and training services.

(PRESS RELEASE) BÆRUM, 12-Feb-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — DNV, a prominent assurance and risk management provider, has propelled the creation of one of Europe’s fastest-growing cyber security services businesses by amalgamating its existing cyber security division with two recently acquired entities – Nixu and Applied Risk.

This merger unites over 500 cyber security specialists to fortify intricate IT and industrial control system environments across various sectors. It stems from DNV’s acquisition of Amsterdam-based industrial cyber security expert Applied Risk in 2021, followed by the finalization of DNV’s acquisition of Helsinki-based cyber security services leader Nixu in December 2023.

Remi Eriksen, DNV’s Group President and CEO, emphasized the critical nature of cyber security risks for the upcoming decade. He commented “Cyber security is a defining risk for the coming decade. Cyber risks can have huge safety, reliability, environmental and financial impacts and threaten the functioning of our societies. This merger combines Nixu’s broad portfolio of IT and managed cyber security services, Applied Risk’s leading position in securing industrial control systems, and DNV’s domain expertise in critical infrastructure industries. Together, we have created a business that delivers on all aspects of our customers’ cyber security needs and prepares us for significant future growth.”

Teemu Salmi, appointed CEO of DNV’s newly formed cyber security services business, envisions fostering a customer-centric approach in becoming Europe’s premier cyber security services provider. He said “We are on a united mission to become the most customer-centric cyber security services business in Europe. Enabling this are the exceptional people who make up our business and deliver value to our customers. This is the place where cyber security professionals will grow and make a difference. And it is where businesses across the world will seek the trustworthy technical expertise they need to enhance safety and resilience in an era of rising digital risk, geopolitical uncertainty and tightening regulation.”

Furthermore, DNV and Nixu have integrated their management systems certification ventures, bolstering their ability to offer information security certification and training services. This includes certifications such as ISO/IEC 27001, national security assessments, CSA STAR cloud service certifications, PCI security assessments, and healthcare information system security assessments.

The merged cyber security services business is poised to collaborate closely with customers and the security community to drive innovation and industry best practices. Leveraging DNV’s steadfast commitment to research and innovation, wherein five percent of revenue is reinvested into research and development programs, it aims to remain at the forefront of cyber security advancements.

Media contacts:

Christian Parker
Brand and Communications Manager, Cyber security and digital health
Phone: +4793032925
contact.cybersecurity@dnv.com

Anniina Hautakoski
Communications Specialist
contact.cybersecurity@dnv.com

SOURCE: DNV AS