In line with its quest to expand its mobile security horizon, Intel agrees to pay a whopping $7.7 billion to acquire McAfee, a California-based computer security company. The wait is almost over as the deal is just one approval away from being sealed—the European Union’s nod.

In a WSJ article the European Union antitrust authorities are expected to endorse Intel Corp.’s proposed acquisition of software maker McAfee Inc. The delay occurred when regulators in Brussels doubted that Intel would allow McAfee products access to security features. The leading chip maker will be paying $48 a share for McAfee.

This move by Intel also supports the organization’s goal to make the best of the mobile future, despite the fact that it’s not the most relevant chip maker in the space.  In a news write-up by Kristen Nicole of SiliconAngle, she noted that CEO Paul Otellini rallied his troops, telling them the effort will be a “marathon, not a sprint.” This boost was followed by another good news when Intel publicized its huge profit gains for the last quarter of 2010.

The fourth quarter earnings report of Intel shows revenues rising from $2.28bilion last year to $3.39 billion this year. Q4 was actually the third consecutive period of phenomenal sales and profits for Intel. This expression of confidence for 2011 is also the reason why the company is willing to cash out massive amount and invest in mobile and computer security.