With last November’s acquisition of Windows software tester SQA Inc only just digested (CI No 3,043), Rational Software Corp has been buying again. This time its target is SoftLab AB, a Swedish developer of custom component-based software engineering tools, integrated software development environments and software development processes, for $9.5m in cash. 15-year old SoftLab – nothing to do with the BMW Group’s better known Softlab GmbH based in Munich, Germany – has worked closely with LM Ericsson Telefon AB, and the deal strengthens Rational’s own relationship with the Swedish telecommunications giant, in place since October 1995, and Rational’s place in the Scandinavian marketplace in general, said the company. The acquisition will be accounted for as a purchase transaction, and a substantial portion of the cost will be allocated to acquired in-process research and development for the March quarter. This, and the SQA purchase, will mean that the company posts a loss in the March quarter. SoftLab will become part of Rational Software Scandinavia AB, and will continue to provide software for its telecommunications market and technical customers.
