Dassault Systemes to acquire ICEM

When the deal goes through in June, Catia will effectively provide an even greater end-to-end design environment. “Aesthetics and design quality … and are key contributors to product success and brand recognition shape,” says Bernard Charlès, president and CEO, Dassault Systèmes. “With ICEM’s technologies and expertise combined with DS’s recognised leadership in 3D and PLM, customers will benefit from a new level of integrated process performance from styling concepts to final shape,” he adds. And he’s not just talking about the automotive industry, which has spearheaded aesthetics in engineering through the ‘Class A Surface’ programme, which creates perfect surfaces from styling sketches. ICEM is an undisputed leader in this domain, with OEM customers including Ford, VW, BMW, Porsche, PSA, Renault and Nissan – as well as design companies like Guigiaro/ITALDesign, Pininfarina and Bertone. “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.” “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,” says Lee Cureton, president and CEO, ICEM. The deal is expected to complete by June.