Dassault Systemes to acquire sales and client support operations of IBM

Dassault Systemes S.A. has signed an agreement to acquire the sales and client support operations of International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) for approximately $600 million in cash.

IBM is a US-based information technology company that provides business, technology and consulting services, while Dassault Systemes is a France-based provider of 3D and product lifecycle management software solutions.

The operations include IBM's Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) software application portfolio as well as customer contracts and related assets.

Shearman & Sterling LLP is acting as legal advisor to Dassault Systemes.

Deal Value (US$ Million) 600
Deal Type                Acquisition
Sub-Category             Asset Purchase
Deal Status              Announced: 2009-10-26

Deal Participants

Target (Company)   International Business Machines Corporation - Sales and Client Support Operations
Acquirer (Company) Dassault Systemes S.A.
Vendor (Company)   International Business Machines Corporation

Deal Rationale

The acquisition will allow Dassault Systemes to bring significant potential to the global marketplace with extended IBM resources and expertise to help transform client PLM environments, leveraging the DS V6 portfolio. It will also allow the businesses to strengthen and extend their cooperation in the areas of professional services, cloud computing, middleware, flexible financing, hardware, and sales and distribution.

Related terms: acquisition, advisor, business, consulting, france, hardware, information technology, legal, sales, software, sterling, technology