UK-based cybersecurity firm Darktrace said Monday that it’s in early discussions with private equity firm Thoma Bravo about a possible takeover. The company said said any deal must be completed by September 12 and cautioned that there’s no certainty that an offer would be made.

A Darktrace representative referred a reporter to the company’s announcement, and a spokesperson for Thoma Bravo didn’t immediately respond to comment.

The cybersecurity firm’s jumped more than 22 per cent to $6.50 in US trading on Monday.

Founded in 2013 by mathematicians and cyber defence experts, Darktrace protects against attacks using artificial intelligence, according to its website.

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