This interesting release came in while I was in the air to EWR enroute to Shanghai. Dassault Systemes has announce intent to acquire the PLM sales channel from IBM.
Dassault Systemes signed an agreement under which it intends to acquire IBM sales and client support operations encompassing DS’s product lifecycle management (PLM) software portfolio, as well as customer contracts and related assets, for approximately $600 million in cash.
DS and IBM plan to establish DS 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.
The companies expect to continue to jointly invest in developing, deploying and supporting client PLM environments, delivering integrated PLM solutions to their clients worldwide.