Symantec makes 3 deals

Symantec Corp. is strengthening its position in the government market with the planned purchase of three information security companies.

The three acquisitions, which should be completed by mid-August, total approximately $355 million in cash, the company said.

Symantec, Cupertino, Calif., is acquiring Riptech Inc., Alexandria, Va., for $145 million; Recourse Technologies, Redwood City, Calif., for $135 million; and SecurityFocus, San Mateo, Calif., for $75 million.

The purchases follow shortly after Symantec's July 2 purchase of Mountain Wave Inc., Falls Church, Va., for $20 million.

Each acquisition will enhance Symantec's position in the information security industry, including the government marketplace, where Symantec serves federal, state and local agencies. The company provides information security to the Navy-Marine Corps Intranet program, for instance.