Expanding CATIA Design Excellence

Paris, France – April 27, 2007 – Dassault Systèmes (DS) (Nasdaq: DASTY; Euronext Paris: #13065, DSY.PA), a world leader in 3D and Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) solutions, and ICEM, the leading provider of styling, high-quality surface modeling and rendering solutions, today announced an agreement pursuant to which Dassault Systèmes would acquire ICEM, thus extending CATIA leadership to the broad and highly diversified styling communities. The proposed acquisition, for an estimated price of 51.4 million Euros, should be completed in June subject to specific closing conditions. The transaction, to be paid in cash, is expected to be non dilutive on DS non-GAAP earnings.

“Aesthetics and design quality create emotions and are key contributors to product success and brand recognition. With ICEM’s unique set of technologies and expertise in this domain combined with DS’s recognized leadership in 3D and PLM, customers will benefit from a new level of integrated process performance from styling concepts to final shape,” says Bernard Charlès, president and CEO, Dassault Systèmes. “High quality design is an opportunity for DS’s customers to innovate and differentiate themselves. CATIA’s cutting edge shaping capabilities provide unique competitive advantage for our customers in all industries." 

The automotive industry has spearheaded putting aesthetics at the heart of the engineering process. One of the most critical steps is the “Class A Surface” process, which creates perfect surfaces from styling sketches. ICEM is recognized as an undisputable leader in this domain, providing top-end solutions. ICEM’s customers are prestigious automotive OEMs (including Ford, VW, BMW, Porsche, PSA, Renault, Nissan), design companies (such as Guigiaro/ITALDesign, Pininfarina, Bertone) and consumer goods companies (such as Polaris and Electrolux).

“The transaction results from a strong partnership built upon our joint passion for design, innovation and commitment to customer excellence,” says Lee Cureton, president and CEO, ICEM.  Marrying ICEM’s automotive and industrial design know-how with DS’s PLM savoir-faire and market penetration is an exciting opportunity to expand the reach of ICEM’s technologies to strategic markets, including aerospace, high-tech, luxury and consumer goods.” 

DS has invested massively in “Capture and Reuse” technologies allowing customers to create alternative designs and innovate at the speed of light. This generative approach, aligned with ICEM’s unique technology, will bring real competitive advantages to customers. The joined R&D forces will work together to create the next generation of concept styling and production surfacing solutions.