Spyware Maker NSO Group Confirms Acquisition By US Investors
Israeli spyware maker NSO Group confirms acquisition by US investors, marking a major shift in ownership and raising global interest in the controversial surveillance tech company.
Image Credits:MENAHEM KAHANA/AFP via Getty Images / Getty Images
NSO spokesperson Oded Hershowitz told TechCrunch that “an American investment group has invested tens of millions of dollars in the company and has acquired controlling ownership.” The deal gives U.S. investors significant influence over the Pegasus spyware developer.
Deal Reportedly Led By Hollywood Producer Robert Simonds
Confirmation of the acquisition came shortly after Israeli tech site Calcalist reported that a group led by Hollywood producer Robert Simonds reached an agreement to purchase NSO Group in a deal valued in the tens of millions of dollars.
While Hershowitz did not share details about the amount invested or identify the investors involved, he emphasized that the move does not affect NSO’s Israeli regulatory oversight.
NSO Group Remains Under Israeli Regulation
“This investment does not mean that the company is moving out of Israeli regulatory or operational control,” Hershowitz said. “The company’s headquarters and core operations remain in Israel. It continues to be fully supervised and regulated by the relevant Israeli authorities, including the Ministry of Defense and the Israeli regulatory framework.”
Despite the acquisition, NSO insists that its compliance and licensing obligations under Israeli law remain unchanged.
Background: Previous U.S. Interest In NSO Group
This isn’t the first time U.S. investors have shown interest in NSO Group. In 2023, The Guardian reported that Robert Simonds and an associate, through their investment firm, had explored a bid to acquire the spyware maker—but that deal never materialized.
Now, with this confirmed acquisition, Simonds appears to have finally secured control, although NSO declined to share specific financial or ownership details.
Leadership Changes Following The Acquisition
According to Calcalist, as part of the new agreement with Simonds, NSO’s co-founder and executive chairman Omri Lavie will end his involvement with the company. Lavie has not publicly commented on the news.
Neither Simonds nor his Hollywood studio STX Entertainment has responded to TechCrunch’s request for comment regarding the acquisition or their future plans for NSO.
Transparency Concerns And Industry Reactions
The acquisition of NSO by U.S. investors has sparked debate within the cybersecurity community. Critics argue that U.S. involvement in a company linked to global surveillance and alleged misuse of spyware could raise ethical and regulatory concerns.
However, supporters suggest that U.S. investment may introduce greater transparency, oversight, and reform within NSO’s operations—especially as it faces scrutiny from human rights organizations and international regulators.
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