Dassault buying Abaqus

Dassault Systemes is acquiring Abaqus Inc., Providence, the developer of Abaqus software for finite-element analysis, in an all-cash transaction for about $413 million. The deal is subject to certain adjustments at closing. Dassault develops and markets PLM software Catia, Delmia, Enovia, and Smarteam for product development; SolidWorks 3D-design software; and Spatial/ACIS 3D components. With the Abaqus purchase, Dassault plans to increase ease-of-use and make realistic simulation accessible to a wide audience. It also lets Dassault diversify into markets beyond its existing manufacturing base. More information is at 3ds.com and abaqus.com.