Cybersecurity firm Darktrace today became the latest business to quit the London Stock Exchange after it unveiled a $5.3 billion deal to be acquired by US private equity firm Thoma Bravo. The offer of 620p per share represents a 20% premium on yesterday’s closing share price and marks a rekindling of the firm’s relations with Thoma Bravo with whom it had entered into informal takeover talks in 2022 before discussions were abandoned. Cambridge-based Darktrace, which first listed on the LSE in 2021, today lashed out at the sorry state of the London public markets, complaining that its financial achievements “had not been reflected commensurately in its valuation” with its shares being consistently undervalued relative to US peers. “The Darktrace board recognises that there are risks to, as well as uncertainty as to the timing and delivery of, shareholder returns on the public market,” the firm added. Darktrace said the deal with Thoma Bravo would allow it to expand more quickly into overseas markets. CEO Poppy Gustafsson said: “This proposed offer represents the next stage in our growth journey and I am excited by the many opportunities we have ahead of us. “Our technology has never been more relevant in a...