Advised Software AG on its acquisition of webMethods, a business integration and optimisation software company

Arma Partners is pleased to announce it acted as exclusive financial adviser to Software AG (TecDAX, ISIN DE 0003304002 / SOW), Europe’s largest systems software and Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA) provider, on its proposed acquisition of webMethods, Inc. (NASDAQ: WEBM), a leading business integration and optimization software company, announced on April 5th. The two companies have entered into a definitive agreement for Software AG to acquire webMethods in a cash tender offer for $9.15 per share, or approximately $546 million.

The transaction will significantly strengthen the combined company’s leadership in the fast-growing SOA and Business Process Management (BPM) markets, bringing an expanded product portfolio to a global customer base of over 4,000 organizations and 100 partners in complementary geographies around the globe. Specifically, Software AG will more than double its customer base in North America. This acquisition also builds on the strong reputations and market positions of both companies and is a major step in Software AG’s recently announced plans to more than double its revenue to €1 billion (USD $1.3 billion).


The transaction has been approved by the Supervisory Board of Software AG. webMethods’ Board of Directors has also approved the transaction and will recommend that their shareholders accept the offer. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals, and is expected to close during the second quarter of 2007.