In its second significant acquisition in just the past couple of months, France-based Dassault Systemes (DASTY 1.34%) has signed a definitive agreement to acquire San Diego-based Accelrys (NASDAQ: ACCL) in an all-cash deal for $12.50 a share , a 28% premium over Jan. 30's close of $9.72 a share, Dassault announced today. The total value of the deal is approximately $750 million.
Dassault will use the purchase to gain access to Accelrys' software for managing scientific data.
Accelrys' solutions are utilized to integrate science into early stage planning, development, and manufacturing processes. According to Dassault's statement, the 3-D solutions provider intends to use Accelrys' suite of products across its "life sciences, consumer packaged goods, high tech and energy, as well as advanced manufacturing industries."
Dassault Systemes CEO Bernard Charles commented in a statement, "The World demands a new paradigm for sustainability where chemistry, materials and biology meet. This is what the virtual universes enabled by Dassault Systemes are delivering, capable of harmonizing products, nature and life, from imagination to industry solution experience."
The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2014, assuming Accelrys shareholders approve the deal, and standard regulatory and customary closing conditions are met. Dassault will issue a tender offer to all Accelrys shareholders in the next few days, according to Dassault's statement.
In early Dec. of last year, Dassault inked a $204.6 million deal to acquire an 84% ownership stake in 3-D software and computer imagery provider Realtime Technology (RTT). The RTT transaction closed Jan. 14. Dassault intends to make a formal offer for the remaining 16% of RTT soon, according to its statement.
-- Material from The Associated Press was used in this report.
