Accenture Snags Ookla and Downdetector From Ziff Davis for $1.2B

Ziff Davis is cutting loose its Connectivity division in a $1.2 billion cash deal with Accenture. The unit includes two of the internet's most recognized diagnostic tools: Ookla's Speedtest app and the Downdetector outage tracker.

The move lets Ziff Davis sharpen its focus on enthusiast media properties, with IGN headlining that portfolio. Meanwhile, Accenture picks up a pair of tools that millions of people instinctively reach for whenever their internet acts up or a major service goes dark.

It's a clean split. Ziff Davis gets a fat check and a leaner operation. Accenture gets two brands with massive consumer mindshare in the connectivity monitoring space.

The deal is all cash, no stock swaps, no complicated earn-outs. Straightforward as it gets in the world of billion-dollar tech transactions.