Dassault Systemes to acquire IBM’s PLM sales operation for $600 million

Dassault Systeme, maker of 3D software used in designing automobiles and aircrafts among other high tech products is making its biggest acquisition to date by offering to acquire IBM's sales and client support operations for $600 million in cash.

The France-based technology company is buying IBM sales and client support operations encompassing Dassault's product lifecycle management (PLM) software application portfolio, as well as customer contracts and related assets, Dassault Systemes said in a statement yesterday.

IBM, the world's biggest computer-services company, and Dassault with 2008 revenue of €1.335 billion have also planned to establish Dassault as an IBM global alliance partner and expand their services partnership.

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.

Pending completion of the transaction, 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 will benefit from simplified engagement and support processes for DS's market-leading PLM product portfolio.