LONDON - Dassault Systèmes of France said Thursday that it had agreed to acquire the San Diego-based scientific software company Accelrys in an all-cash deal for about $750 million.
Dassault, which designs 3D modeling software, said it intends to make a tender offer of $12.50 a share for the outstanding shares of Accelrys. The price is a 28 percent premium on its Wednesday close of $9.72.
The deal is expected to expand Dassault’s offerings in the chemistry, biology and materials sectors.
Bernard Charlès, the president and chief executive of Dassault, said the two companies “share the same passion for enabling scientific innovation.â€
The board of Accelrys unanimously approved the transaction. The deal is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2014 and is subject to a majority of Accelrys shares being tendered.
Dassault reported 493.4 million euros, or about $671 million, in revenue in the third quarter. It employs about 11,000 people. The company is to report its fourth-quarter results next month.
Revenue for Accelrys was $40.9 million in the third quarter. The company says it employs more than 200 full-time Ph.D. scientists.
Foros advised Dassault, while Accelrys was advised by Morgan Stanley. The legal advisers were Cravath, Swaine & Moore for Dassault Systèmes, and Paul Hastings L.L.P. for Accelrys.
