NEW YORK - Buyout firm Vista Equity is exploring options including a sale of Sonatype in a deal that could value the cybersecurity firm at more than $1.5 billion including debt, according to people familiar with the matter.

Fulton, Maryland-based Sonatype has tapped Goldman Sachs to solicit interest from potential buyers, which could include other private equity firms, said the sources, who requested anonymity as the matter is confidential.

Vista may also choose to sell a minority stake in Sonatype, the sources added, cautioning that the discussions are at an early stage and no deal is certain. Sonatype currently generates about $150 million in annual recurring revenue and is profitable, the sources said.

Vista, Sonatype, and Goldman Sachs declined to comment.

Sonatype is a provider of technology tools and software that helps corporations with software development, the analysis and maintenance of open-source code repositories, and the protection of their software supply chains.

Sonatype serves more than 2000 enterprise customers and about 15 million software developers, according to its website. Its clients include banks and financial services firms such as BNP Paribas , ABN Amro and BNY Mellon, and companies in various other industries. It has also worked with government departments including the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the U.S. Department of Energy.

  - Reuters