IBM Confirms Intention to
Acquire EADS Matra Datavision
IBM has confirmed its intention to acquire EADS Matra Datavision, a major supplier of engineering applications and services that is a wholly owned subsidiary of the EADS Group. Once complete, the combination of IBM and EADS Matra Datavision will significantly enhance IBM’s product lifecycle management (PLM) offerings.
Product lifecycle management refers to solutions and methodologies that allow manufacturers to integrate product development processes and knowledge across an extended enterprise. PLM enables innovation, improved product development efficiencies, and e-collaboration by all contributors involved in a product rollout, including engineers, production teams, operations personnel, suppliers, and after-sales service specialists. The PLM services market is expected to grow from $1.9 billion in 2001 to $5.5 billion in 2006, for a combined annual growth rate of 23.4%.
EADS Matra Datavision has been IBM’s top producing PLM business partner since it entered an alliance with IBM in 1998. The transaction is expected to be completed by January 1, 2003, at which time EADS Matra Datavision will become part of IBM.
Trumpf Reports 2001-02 FY Results;
Laser, Medical Technologies Growing
The Trumpf Group reports that its 2001-02 fiscal year has ended with €1.17 billion ($1.04 billion) in consolidated sales, close to the the previous year’s level of €1.22 billion ($1.09 billion). Despite the recession that continued throughout the company’s entire fiscal year, group sales remained stable and total earnings high. Orders received totaled €1.14 billion ($1.02 billion), slightly less than sales.
While sales decreased in Europe and the United States, Trumpf grew in Asia. The overseas share of consolidated sales totaled 64%.
The company’s Laser Technology and Medical Technology divisions increased sales by 12% (to €319 million) and 27% (to €117 million), respectively. The Machine Tools division experienced a drop in sales of 9.2% (to €971 million), and sales were down by 8.3% in the Power Tools division (at €39 million).