In the pursuit of continued dominance of the 3D industry, 3D Systems Corporation has acquired one of the top six CAD/CAM suppliers on the globe in Cimatron Ltd.
3DS announced a definitive agreement today in which it will acquire all of the outstanding shares of Cimatron for $8.97 per share in cash in a deal worth around $97million.
The acquisition of Cimatron's portfolio, which includes the two major product lines GibbsCAM and CimatronE, has strengthened 3DS' position in a closed eco-system from CAD/CAM to prototype to production in the manufacturing industry.
“We believe that the perfect strategic fit between our businesses, combined with expanded capabilities in product development, channel coverage and marketing, could present sizeable synergies that together offer significant long-term customer benefits and shareholder value,” commented Avi Reichental, President and CEO of 3DS.
Of the two major product lines, CimatronE is an integrated CAD/CAM solution for toolmakers and manufacturers of discrete parts, which provides full associativity across the manufacturing process from quoting, through design and up to delivery. GibbsCAM, the CAM industry's recognized ease-of-use leader, offers simple to use, yet extremely powerful, solutions for programming multi-axis CNC machine tools.
“We are delighted to combine our leading 3D CAD/CAM software products with 3DS’ expanding design and manufacturing digital thread,” said Danny Haran, CEO of Cimatron. “We have always been focused on providing comprehensive, cost-effective solutions that streamline manufacturing cycles and shorten product delivery time, and as part of 3DS we can substantially accelerate our progress and extend our reach and impact”.
"Our entire Board of Directors is proud of Cimatron and its management’s long term success in building a great company with leading products that create sustained customer and shareholder value, and are grateful to have been part of guiding this journey," added Yossi Ben Shalom, Chairman of the Board of Cimatron.
The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including requisite regulatory approvals and the approval of Cimatron’s shareholders. The Boards of Directors of both companies have unanimously approved the proposed transaction. The companies expect the transaction to close in the first quarter of 2015.