Dassault Systemes (DS) said that it has signed a deal under which it plans to acquire IBM sales and client support operations encompassing its product lifecycle management (PLM) software application portfolio, and customer contracts and related assets, for around $600m in cash.
Bernard Charles, president and CEO of Dassault Systemes, said: “The planned integration of the IBM sales force and related business operations represents the largest investment in our corporate history. We are putting our customers and partners first, creating a globally efficient sales organisation to bring the value of V6 PLM applications to every enterprise in every industry.”
While the transaction is being completed, both companies expect their existing operations, including customer service and product availability, to continue as usual. After completion of the transaction and integration of the two companies’ PLM operations, DS PLM customers are expected to benefit from simplified engagement and support processes for DS’s PLM product portfolio.
Reportedly, pursuant to the planned global alliance agreement, IBM and DS expect to continue to jointly invest in developing, deploying and supporting client PLM environments, delivering integrated PLM offerings.
According to DS, the enhanced services agreement will bring significant potential to the global marketplace with extended IBM resources and expertise to help transform client PLM environments, leveraging the DS V6 portfolio.
Tom Hawk, general manager of global industrial sector at IBM, said: With this announcement, IBM is evolving its partnership with DS to better align our mutual strengths and better address our clients’ PLM needs. This transaction also helps fuel IBM’s focus on PLM integration through middleware, business transformation and application services, and dynamic infrastructure.
The transaction is expected to be completed in the first half of 2010, subject to the execution of local agreements and completion of regulatory processes and applicable labor relations requirements in various countries.
