Software AG, Europe's largest systems software and service-oriented architecture (SOA) provider, has acquired webMethods, the business integration and optimization software company based in Fairfax, Va.

The transaction is expected to significantly strengthen the combined company's position in the fast-growing SOA and business process management markets. Together, the companies have an estimated global customer base of more than 4,000 organizations and 100 partners. Software AG will more than double its customer base in North America. Industry analysts say the two have  complementary industry strengths and minimal customer overlap, providing mutual access to additional customer segments, particularly in financial services, manufacturing and the public sector.

"This acquisition clearly positions Software AG as one of the global leaders in SOA and BPM. Combining our product portfolio and sales team with those of webMethods gives us a major foothold in the critical North American market," said Karl-Heinz Streibich, CEO of Software AG. "WebMethods' Fabric product family combined with Software AG's Crossvision SOA suite will provide an end-to-end SOA solution that allows our combined client base to more effectively create, manage and govern their business processes. Together we will be creating truly advanced SOA solutions. We look forward to working with webMethods' talented team of professionals throughout their organization."

Visit www.softwareag.com and www.webmethods.com