Dassault Systemes Acquires KTI

Acquisition of Knowledge-Based pioneer complements Dassault Systemes’ V5 Knowledgeware solutions and consulting services

Suresnes, France - November 20, 2002 - Dassault Systemes (Euronext Paris # 13065, DSY.PA, Nasdaq: DASTY) today announced the acquisition of Knowledge Technologies International (KTI) in an all-cash transaction. Through its consulting expertise and ICAD software, KTI has become the recognized leader in Knowledge-based engineering (KBE) solutions for the capture and automation of proprietary customer design and manufacturing processes, particularly in the aerospace and automotive industries. Examples of KBE use include the automatic design of the thousands of standard parts in aircraft wings or electrical system components in automobiles.

 

The acquisition of KTI complements Dassault Systemes’ existing V5 Knowledgeware solutions and places the company in a leadership position across the full range of KBE practices. KBE practices are divided into three domains that include: generic applications; industry specific solutions; and customer proprietary process automation. KTI is the leader in customer proprietary process automation while Dassault Systemes is the leader in generic applications and industry specific solutions.

 

Integrating the development, capture and reuse of a customer’s know how is an essential ingredient for successful PLM implementation. Beyond the “what” of products (the components), Knowledge-based solutions capture and manage the "why" and "how" (the collective knowledge). Combining KTI’s KBE consulting competence with Dassault Systemes industry-processes expertise creates an unrivaled services offering in the PLM industry that will make Knowledge-based engineering a reality for all customers.

 

“Our 3D PLM customers are reaching unprecedented levels of productivity due largely to the next generation Knowledge-based technology we place at the core of our V5 solutions,” said Dominique Florack, executive vice president Research and Development, Dassault Systemes. “Over the past 20 years, KTI has developed a unique understanding and expertise in the development and application of Knowledge-based solutions and this acquisition complements our existing services organization to deploy breakthrough PLM solutions for all of our customers.”

 

"This acquisition will deliver tremendous value to our existing ICAD customers,” said Dr. Prasanna Katragadda, Vice President Research and Development, KTI. “It immediately secures their investments and provides a roadmap to further expand the management of their Knowledge-based Engineering activities beyond the design and manufacturing stages and into the rest of their product's lifecycle management.”

 

"Over the past seven years, Airbus, with the support of KTI, has secured significant returns through Knowledge-based engineering, enabling automation, integration and innovation of key processes,” said S.E. Allwright, head of Knowledge Based Engineering, Airbus. “With the acquisition of KTI by Dassault Systems, Airbus expects to immediately benefit from synergies in the development of Knowledge-based solutions and provision of services. This will enable Airbus to accelerate and broaden our implementation of KBE across our complete set of product lifecycle processes."