Zscaler adds a new board member to evaluate strategic options

James Beer to help with the Broadcom deal

As we had noted in our earlier report, you will be hearing more about the board. We are breaking a major news story on how the board is evolving to evaluate strategic options for Zscaler, including an outright sale.

Zscaler, a leading cybersecurity firm, has taken measures to guarantee impartiality as it contemplates a potential acquisition by semiconductor behemoth Broadcom. Informed sources reveal that Zscaler has brought in James Beer, a veteran of the technology sector, to independently evaluate strategic alternatives in light of Broadcom's overtures. Our friends will know James from his days as a CFO at Atlassian or another one of Broadcom’s acquisitions Symantec (although James was no longer with the company at the time of that deal).

Beer's role as an independent director is aimed at averting conflicts of interest and ensuring unbiased oversight in any discussions with Broadcom. Although Beer will not partake directly in negotiations, his presence as a neutral evaluator will en…