McAfee is close to agreeing to sell itself to Advent for more than $10 billion

According to the source, the agreement might be announced on Monday, but negotiations could still fall apart.

Reuters reached out to McAfee and Advent for comment, but neither company responded right away.

The probable agreement comes at a time when demand for anti-virus and digital equipment is rising due to the pandemic-induced shift to telecommuting and the rise in cyber-attacks.

NortonLifeLock Inc., based in the United States, attempted to purchase leading consumer security software rival Avast Plc for $8.5 billion in August.

McAfee’s stock, which went public last year, closed 20 percent higher on Friday at $25.46. The company announced in March that it would sell its corporate business to a consortium led by Symphony Technology Group for $4 billion in cash.