Dassault Systemes snaps up US software company in $750m deal
San Diego-based software provider Accelrys, whose clients include AstraZeneca, Du Pont and Unilever, is set to be bought by France's Dassault Systemes for $750m (£452) in an attempt to expand its product range.
The Accelrys board has unanimously approved the deal which is expected to be concluded in the second quarter of 2014. Dassault is making an all-cash offer for the US firm of $12.50 a share.
The company said in a statement:
Combining with Accelrys will enrich the molecular chemistry capabilities from discovery to manufacturing and regulatory requirements of Dassault Systemes' formulation-based industry offerings such as life sciences, consumer packaged goods, high tech and energy, as well as advanced manufacturing industries.
The deal is the latest in a string of acquisitions by the 3D design software company which include software developers Apriso and 3D visualisation software provider Realtime Technology AG.
Bernard Charles, president and CEO, Dassault Systemes, said:
The World demands a new paradigm for sustainability where chemistry, materials and biology meet. This is what the virtual universes enabled by Dassault Systemes are delivering, capable of harmonising products, nature and life, from imagination to industry solution experience.