The software offered by IQMS is a complete solution for medium-sized companies. It covers the management of the engineering, manufacturing and business operations ecosystem by digitally connecting the processes for order processing, planning, production and shipping. By integrating the IQMS solutions into the '3DExperience Platform' in the cloud, Dassault Systèmes aims to provide manufacturers with a system for operational processes. Users will also be able to tap into new business opportunities and create innovative value by making their manufacturing expertise and services available to a large community of designers and engineers on the '3DExperience Marketplace'.

IQMS' solutions are currently used by 1000 customers, mostly based in the USA. They produce at around 2000 manufacturing sites in 20 countries for the automotive, mechanical and plant engineering, medical devices and consumer goods industries.

The closing of the transaction is subject to customary conditions precedent, including antitrust approval in the US. The transaction is expected to close in early 2019.

Comments on the deal

Bernard Charlès, Vice Chairman and CEO, Dassault Systèmes: "We must no longer see industry as a collection of means of production, but as a value creation process. This applies not only to disruptive start-ups and established companies, but also to the hundreds of thousands of manufacturing companies whose products are essential to the development of new customer experiences. IQMS is characterized by a profound knowledge of the requirements of the manufacturing industry. We welcome IQMS to our team. We are creating a new category of business solutions for companies that are very similar to Solidworks users. These companies will benefit from the platform concept and lay the foundation for their success in today's industry renaissance."

Gary Nemmers, President & CEO, IQMS: "For years we have focused on maximizing the success of our manufacturing customers. To that end, we deliver an ERP system designed specifically for midsize companies. As part of Dassault Systèmes, we are now able to take the next steps and show our customers new ways to increase operational efficiency and effectiveness in a global environment."