Analytics plc (NYSE: CCC) and OpSec Security today announced they have signed a definitive agreement whereby OpSec Security will acquire the MarkMonitor™ brand protection, antipiracy and antifraud business from Clarivate. Clarivate will retain the MarkMonitor Domain Management business.

For decades, both OpSec and MarkMonitor have been at the forefront of managing brand protection programs for some of the most sophisticated global brands, having defined recognized 'best practices' for the industry. By combining their expertise and industry leading technologies, customers will have access to an integrated end-to-end solution to protect revenue streams, product integrity and brand reputation in a more holistic and streamlined manner.

"OpSec has built and maintained a market-leading position because we continue to innovate and invest in solutions that solve the brand protection needs of our customers," said Richard Cremona, CEO, OpSec Security. "Integrating MarkMonitor's industry leading online brand protection program into OpSec's solution portfolio expands and strengthens our commitment to helping brands combat the rising problems of piracy, fraud, counterfeiting and diversion for both the offline and online world. Our collective expertise and industry leading technologies will create a whole new standard and raise the bar for global brand protection."

"The MarkMonitor Brand Protection business has a 20-year legacy of delivering successful outcomes for some of the world's greatest brands," said Jerre Stead, Executive Chairman and CEO, Clarivate Analytics. "Under OpSec's new ownership and its proven commitment to innovation, we are confident that the MarkMonitor brand protection business – and its high-profile customer base -- will flourish."

He concluded, "Our vision at Clarivate is to improve the way the world creates, protects and advances innovation. Streamlining our offerings will help us better serve our intellectual property customers with innovative, integrated IP solutions across patents, trademarks, and domain registrations."

Guggenheim Securities, LLC is serving as exclusive financial advisor to Clarivate and Holland & Knight LLP is serving as legal counsel to Clarivate for the transaction.

The transaction is expected to be completed by the end of 2019.