Websense Rises After Quest Buyout Bid: Los Angeles Mover

Websense Inc. (WBSN), a provider of data security, rose the most in more than two months on speculation the company may become a buyout target after Insight Venture Partners offered to buy Quest Software Inc. (QSFT)

Websense increased 3.8 percent to $19.32 at the New York close, its biggest gain since Dec. 20 and making the San Diego- based company the third-best performer on Bloomberg’s Infrastructure Software (BIGISFTC) Index of 55 companies.

Websense is an attractive takeover target in an industry that is consolidating, said Frederick Ziegel, an analyst for Topeka Capital Markets Inc. in New York, who rates the stock hold.

“It’s got all the attributes of an M&A target,” said Ziegel. “Websense would be right in the sweet spot in terms of the markets they serve.”

Quest Software, a competing data-security company that received an offer of about $2 billion buyout from Insight, was the biggest mover in the Infrastructure Software Index, followed by Trend Micro Inc. (4704), the Tokyo-based provider of anti-virus software.

Quest Software jumped above Insight’s $23-a-share offer to $24.07, signaling investors may anticipate higher bids. Quest Software said it would solicit other bids for 60 days.

Websense executives are traveling and unavailable for comment, spokeswoman Patricia Hogan said by telephone.

To contact the reporter on this story: Peter J. Brennan in Los Angeles at pbrennan3@bloomberg.net

To contact the editor responsible for this story: Anthony Palazzo at apalazzo@bloomberg.net