Red-hot mobile security startup Zenprise gets snapped up by Citrix

Zenprise has been acquired by Citrix, which may come as a surprise to Silicon Valley insiders who expected an initial public offering from the red-hot mobile security startup.

Zenprise lets companies’ IT departments wrap security measures around employees’ iPhones, iPads,  and tablet devices. The technology is currently in effect in over a million personal devices, and is used by employees at big brands like the Boston Red Sox.

As employees continue to bring their own devices to work (a trend frequently referred to as “BYOD”), companies like Zenprise have stepped up to help large corporations that are struggling to centralize their data. Zenprise users are immediately alerted if a hacker attempts to break into a company device. If an employee leaves their phone in a bar, sensitive data can be wiped from the device remotely.

“Consumerization and BYOD have given rise to very difficult challenges for businesses in enabling a productive, mobile workforce while still maintaining tight controls over company information,” said Sumit Dhawan, Vice President and General Manager, Mobile Solutions at Citrix, in a statement. Dhawan described the acquisition as a “clear choice” for Citrix as a means to bolster its mobile device management (MDM) product.

“With a complete Citrix enterprise mobility solution, customers have all the necessary pieces to manage and secure mobile apps, content and devices,” said Dhawan.

The terms of today’s deal were not disclosed, and Citrix anticipates closing on the acquisition during the first quarter of 2013. Silicon Valley-based Zenprise has raised over $60 million in venture capital funding from Greylock Partners, Shasta Ventures,  Ignition Partners, and the Mayfield Fund, among others.

Mobile security image // Pavel Ignatov, Shutterstock