Support.com Pays $8.5 Million For Superantispyware

SUPERAntiSpyware, the go to tool for many people plagued by Spyware and other problems, has been purchased by Support.com for $8.5 million in cash.

Like Spybot Search & Destroy, SUPERAntiSpyware is a free tool that is extremely useful when cleaning up a system. It’s offered in both paid and free versions, but for most the free product delivers as promised.

In addition to removing various tracking cookies, and other potentially unwanted software from a system, SUPERAntiSpyware has earned its reputation with geeks by being one of the first tools to rid systems of Rogue anti-Virus software before the major security firms got into the act.

What many people don’t know is that SUPERAntiSpyware, headquartered in Eugene, Oregon, is developed and maintained by a staff of ten. Those ten people, including founder Nick Skrepetos, will join Support.com full-time once the $8.5 million dollar deal is complete.

"This acquisition of a leading anti-malware solution advances our strategy of providing both software and services that make technology work," said Josh Pickus, President and Chief Executive Officer of Support.com, in a statement.

At the time this article was written, only a press release promoted SUPERAntiSpyware on the Support.com domain. It is expected that the free version will remain in play, but plans to push the commercial offering are clear based on the acquisition’s announcement.

“By adding anti-malware protection, a top priority for consumers and small businesses, Support.com expands the audience to whom it can market its branded services offerings… The Company's channel programs typically involve the resale of Support.com services…By adding SUPERAntiSpyware, Support.com increases the value it can bring to channel partners wishing to add software to their services programs,” the acquisition notice outlines.

On Support.com, customers can pay anywhere from $32.50 to install and sync a printer, scanner, or other connected device, to $64.99 for Wireless setup and configuration, or $84.49 for a thorough analysis of their system by a technical expert in North America. In addition, there is a subscription plan that will run $399.99 a year for up to three PCs.

Prices are slightly higher for customers who opt to call first, instead of installing a fix-it application online. For example the analysis will jump to $129.99 over the phone.

The deal is expected to close before the end of the year.

The Tech Herald