Technology giant International Business Machines Corp. has announced it will obtain marketing software producer Unica Corp. for $ 480 million in an effort to provide customers effective tools to create more focused marketing activities. IBM, which recently purchased Web analytics vendor Coremetrics, is offering Unica holders $ 21 a share. That’s more than double Thursday’s closing price and the highest level the stock has ever witnessed, according to Wall Street Journal.
The collaboration of IBM and Unica
IBM’s goal is to help customers generate a “consistent and relevant cross-channel brand experience to promote customer loyalty and satisfaction,” as outlined in a statement, says PC World. And maintaining profit growth by shifting to higher-margin software business appears to be the main strategic focus of the company. Unica currently has about 500 employees, all of whom will be included in IBM’s software division, where the business believes that with the help of Unica’s powerful software, its business-analytics and consulting unit will grow stronger with exceptional advantages.
Unica Corporation
A recognized leader in marketing software solutions, Unica Corporation has been around for almost two decades. Based in Waltham, Mass., the business was founded in 1992 and now has several offices located in many parts of the nation and worldwide. It is one of the fastest growing technology corporations in England. The business reported total revenue of $ 30.7 million for the third quarter fiscal 2010, which ended June 30, 2010. That shows a 14 percent increase compared to the 3rd quarter of fiscal 2009.
New movements shows potential improvements
Unica Corporation has about 1,500 shoppers, which contains large names like Best Buy, ING and eBay. However, once the acquisition is finalized, its customers will become IBM customers. The new movement, as stated by Unica CEO Yuchun Lee, will help perk up improvements with all types of companies associated with IBM. Further details regarding the Unica acquisition can be discussed among IBM officials during a conference call Friday. The deal will likely be closed within the fourth quarter of this year.
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The Wall Street Journal
online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703960004575427171092347124.html
PC World
pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/203224/ibm_buying_unica_for_480_million.html
