Dassault Systemes, a vendor of product lifecycle management (PLM) software, will acquire the sales and client-support operations of IBM that are related to Dassault's application portfolio. The deal, valued at approximately $600m in cash, includes customer contracts and related assets. In addition, Dassault will become an IBM Global Alliance Partner as the two companies expand their services partnership. While awaiting completion of the transaction, both companies will maintain their existing operations, including customer service and product availability. Following integration of the PLM operations, Dassault customers will have access to simplified engagement and support processes for the vendor's software. Dassault and IBM said they will continue to invest jointly in development, deployment and support of client PLM systems. They also plan to extend cooperation in the areas of professional services, "cloud" computing, middleware, flexible financing, hardware, sales and distribution. The transaction is expected to be completed in the first half of 2010, subject to execution of local agreements and the meeting of various regulatory and labor-relations requirements.

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